In the vast expanses of the Nevada desert, United States, an innovative energy project has emerged that defies expectations. The plant known as Project Red extracts heat from the depths of the Earth to generate electricity, without depending on natural sources such as the sun or the wind. This system, called geothermal energy, has historically been limited to volcanic regions like Iceland or Kenya.
However, thanks to technological advances, this clean and constant source of energy is beginning to expand into previously unexplored territories.
Led by the startup Fervo Energy, Project Red promises to revolutionize access to a continuous and carbon-free energy channel, offering a viable alternative for the transition to a sustainable future.
Advantages of geothermal energy
Geothermal energy emerges as a key solution to address the climate crisis, providing uninterrupted electricity, something that solar panels and wind turbines do not always achieve due to their climatic limitations.
Although geothermal currently generates only 0.4% of electricity in the United States and less than 1% globally, the situation is changing thanks to enhanced geothermal systems (EGS).
This technology adapts deep drilling and hydraulic fracturing methods from the oil sector to access the heat accumulated in dense rocks, allowing places like Nevada to harness this energy resource.
Inauguration of Project Red
Inaugurated last November, Project Red uses an innovative approach: it pumps water to almost 2,400 meters deep, where the temperature reaches 193 degrees Celsius.
Subsequently, the hot water is extracted and used to power electric generators. This design, inspired by techniques from the oil industry, has significantly reduced costs by increasing efficiency.
Stanford University energy engineer Roland Horne stated in an interview with Smithsonian Magazine: “Geothermal energy has always been one of the most promising sources, but now with a focus on a carbon-free energy network.”
Support from technology companies
These advancements expand the geographical reach of geothermal energy and its commercial appeal. Technology companies like Google support major projects like this, integrating the generated electricity into their data centers and demonstrating the viability of the model for large infrastructures.
The future of geothermal energy
As the world moves towards a more sustainable energy system, geothermal energy becomes an ideal complement to renewable sources like solar and wind.
According to a report from the US Department of Energy, technological advances in enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) could increase the installed capacity of this resource to 60 gigawatts by 2050, representing over 8% of electricity in the United States, a significant leap from the current 0.4%.
The strategic value of geothermal energy
The strategic value of this energy source lies in its stability and versatile capacity. A notable example is the Beaver County plant in Utah, developed by Fervo Energy, which aims to generate up to 2,000 megawatts, equivalent to the production of two large nuclear reactors.
Although reaching that figure will take time, the project already has 400 MW in progress and plans to power data centers with high demand by 2028.
Projects and ecological potential
Companies like Meta and startups like Sage Geosystems also bet on this technology, with projects in regions like Texas and Canada. These initiatives expand the geographical coverage of geothermal energy and diversify its use, such as urban heating in cities like Paris and Munich.
The momentum of geothermal energy responds to its ecological potential and its ability to adapt to fluctuations in the electricity market.
Plants like those developed by Fervo Energy could store thermal energy during periods of low demand and release it when prices are higher or when solar and wind sources are not available, improving the profitability and stability of the energy system.
Public-private collaboration
For developers, these promises will materialize through a committed partnership between the private sector and government entities.
Investments in infrastructure and market confidence are essential to drive competitive geothermal projects at a commercial level. Princeton energy systems researcher Wilson Ricks confirmed: “This technology requires continuous testing to reduce perceived risks for investors and accelerate its widespread adoption.”
Do you already know our YouTube channel? Subscribe!
