Google launches the first geothermal power plant in the United States (video)
Google has announced the launch of a first-of-its-kind geothermal energy project that provides carbon-free electricity to the Nevada grid. This was reported by the company itself.
This project is a step towards achieving Google’s goal of fully switching to carbon-free energy for its data centers and offices by 2030. Google has partnered with clean energy startup Fervo Energy to develop this geothermal system.
Geothermal energy projects have an advantage over other renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, because they can operate continuously, regardless of weather conditions. Fervo Energy has achieved significant results in improving the geothermal system, providing record capacity for commercial scale. They generate electricity by drilling deep into the ground and creating cracks in the rock through which water passes, absorbing heat from the surrounding rock.
The main advantage of geothermal energy is that it does not harm the environment. The tanks are located at a great depth and do not affect groundwater. The U.S. Department of Energy predicts that by 2050, geothermal projects could provide 16% of U.S. energy needs.
Google is actively working to accelerate the introduction of geothermal technologies as an environmentally friendly energy source. They cooperate with Project InnerSpace, an organization that works to remove barriers to geothermal energy development. In addition, Fervo Energy is going to build a geothermal power plant in Utah, which will be able to supply electricity to 300,000 homes.
