Reply #66: Well there are a lot of very competent people who also know... [View All]

[kristopher]

And they say you are in error. Geothermal will play an important role but it isn't ready for that role yet and two years isn't going to happen. There are a number of significant technological hurdles yet to be overcome.
From 2007
http://www.geo-energy.org/publications/reports.asp

New Report Concludes Improved Technology Key to Achieving Full Potential of
Geothermal Energy

Washington -- The Geothermal Energy Association released a new report today that
assesses the state of geothermal energy technology. It concludes that improved
subsurface technologies are the key to developing the vast potential of the resource base.
ìTo utilize most of the geothermal resource base subsurface technologies need to be
improved, new exploration technologies developed, and costs for drilling significantly
reduced,î Mark Taylor, author of the report states.

The report, entitled The State of Geothermal Technology, Part I: Subsurface Technology,
examines how companies today are trying to find and exploit geothermal heat under the
ground. It follows and explains the series of steps that a geothermal project takes from
exploration to resource confirmation. It was built upon interviews and site visits with
companies actively developing projects, and portrays the state of geothermal technology
from their perspective.

ìThere is significant, untapped geothermal potential that can be effectively developed
with todayís technology,î comments Mark Taylor, ìbut to unlock the vast potential of the
resource ñ involving hundreds of thousands of megawatts of energy ñ will require an
investment in developing new technologies that allow us to find hidden resources and
utilize unconventional sources of heat.î

Among issues it identified, the report cites development of new exploration tools, better
resource characterization, advances that reduce drilling costs, and better tools to predict
reservoir behavior as critical near-term needs.
In the longer-run, the report points to some new and emerging geothermal technologies,
such as Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS). The report states: ìEnhanced
Geothermal Systems (EGS) are those in which low or non-producing resources are
engineered to become commercially viable. Although there have been several successful
tests examining parts of EGS technology, what is needed is the significant commitment
of funds to determine if EGS is technically feasible by building a facility that produces
electricity over a period of time.î
In addition, the potential of producing energy from hot water co-produced from oil and
gas wells, deep volcanic or supercritical resources, and geopressured systems that hold
both hot water and natural gas are highlighted as potentially significant future energy
sources.

Full report and more available at above link.