Fervo Energy has made a groundbreaking advancement in technology. The company recently conducted a 30-day well test at its northern Nevada site, achieving a “flowrate of 63 liters per second at high temperature that enables 3.5 megawatts of electric production.” This test set new records for flow and power output in an enhanced geothermal system (EGS), and it was completed smoothly and without any issues.
A single megawatt has the capacity to power approximately 750 homes simultaneously. Fervo plans to connect its Project Red site to the grid this year, which will provide electricity for its infrastructure in Nevada. Additionally, Fervo has partnered with Google for the development of a “next-generation geothermal power project” in 2021.
This achievement by Fervo Energy marks the first time an EGS has demonstrated commercial feasibility. Scientists have been working on making EGS a reality since the 1970s, so this breakthrough is a significant milestone.
In order for a natural geothermal system to generate electricity, it requires a combination of heat, fluid, and permeable rock, as highlighted by Bloomberg. While many areas have suitable levels of heat in the rock, they often lack the necessary permeability for fluid flow.
EGS addresses this issue by artificially creating permeability through deep drilling and injecting fluid to create fractures in the rock. This approach greatly expands the potential locations for establishing geothermal power plants.
Fervo Energy distinguishes itself by being the first company to successfully drill a horizontal well pair for commercial geothermal production. They achieved impressive lateral lengths of 3,250 feet, reached a temperature of 191°C, and confirmed controlled flow through rigorous tracer testing.
Geothermal power plants offer the significant advantage of being carbon-free, aligning with Google’s commitment to operate all its offices and data centers on carbon-free energy by 2030. Furthermore, geothermal energy has the advantage of operating continuously, unlike solar and wind energy. However, Fervo CEO Tim Latimer acknowledges that reducing costs and navigating regulatory obstacles are challenges for widespread adoption of EGS.
Fervo aims to replicate its success at a site in Utah. If similar outcomes are achieved there and with successful design upgrades to maximize output, the site is projected to generate sufficient electricity to power 300,000 homes concurrently. This would account for approximately 25% of all homes in Utah.
“To achieve our goal of operating on 24/7 carbon-free energy, we need new sources of reliable, clean power to complement variable renewables like wind and solar,” stated Michael Terrell, Google’s senior director for energy and climate. “We partnered with Fervo in 2021 because we recognize the significant potential of their geothermal technology to provide a critical source of 24/7 carbon-free energy at scale, and we are delighted to witness Fervo’s important technical milestone.”
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Deepak Sen is a tech enthusiast who covers the latest technological innovations, from AI to consumer gadgets. His articles provide readers with a glimpse into the ever-evolving world of technology.
