Texas’ Geothermal Future: Key Takeaways and Strategic Insights
A comprehensive study conducted by the University of Texas at Austin, Southern Methodist University, Rice University, Texas A&M University, the University of Houston, the University Lands Office, and the International Energy Agency has highlighted the vast potential of geothermal energy in Texas. The report, titled “The Future of Geothermal in Texas: The Coming Century of Growth & Prosperity in the Lone Star State,” explores geothermal energy as a clean, abundant resource for Texas and as a roadmap for global decarbonization by 2050.
Key Findings from the Report
Geothermal Energy as a Clean Source
Geothermal energy offers minimal emissions and a smaller environmental footprint compared to other energy sources.
It provides "firm" or "baseload" power, generating electricity consistently without relying on storage solutions, unlike solar and wind energy.
The potential for scalability is significant through the application of technologies from the oil and gas industry, making geothermal energy production costs competitive with those of solar and wind power.
Leveraging Oil and Gas Expertise
Texas’ existing oil and gas infrastructure and expertise present a considerable advantage for geothermal development.
Nearly 80 percent of oil and gas entities interviewed have plans to develop geothermal strategies.
Industry experts believe that technical challenges related to geothermal can be addressed with existing oil and gas technologies, such as horizontal drilling, multi-stage fracturing, and managed pressure drilling.
Examples of Success
A Texas-based oil and gas technology company significantly reduced drilling time for a geothermal test well by using advanced oil and gas drilling methods.
The report estimates that with the same level of drilling currently used for oil and gas exploration in Texas, geothermal resources could provide the equivalent of all the state's oil and gas used for electricity and heat production within four years.
Applications Beyond Electricity
Geothermal energy can be used directly for space and water heating, or in industrial processes, which can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of buildings and industrial activities.
Public opinion surveys indicate strong bipartisan support for geothermal development, making it an attractive option for a wide range of stakeholders.
Future Prospects
Texas could become a national leader in geothermal energy by leveraging its strengths in oil and gas and its substantial geothermal resources.
Collaboration between industry, academia, and policymakers is crucial for overcoming regulatory hurdles and securing funding for geothermal research.
Researchers in this study calculated multiple growth scenarios for geothermal development placed in the context of the scale of the oil and gas industry and found that drilling 1.4 million wells globally between 2030 and 2050 could meet 77 percent of the world’s projected electricity demand.
This study highlights the substantial potential of geothermal energy as a dependable and clean energy source for Texas, capitalizing on the state's existing oil and gas expertise and infrastructure. It emphasizes the benefits of geothermal energy, which include some of the lowest lifecycle carbon emissions, minimal land footprint, and low water contamination risks among renewable energy technologies. Additionally, geothermal operations are resilient to weather disruptions and attacks, as most of their infrastructure is situated underground.
The report calls for increased collaboration and investment to position Texas as a leader in geothermal energy, contributing to both state and global decarbonization goals. Funded and supported by the Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation, The Educational Foundation of America, and Project InnerSpace, the report offers a scientific foundation for informed decision-making as Texas and other regions explore geothermal energy development. With the involvement of oil and gas companies and advancements in technology, geothermal energy presents a promising frontier for sustainable energy production, particularly in Texas.