Energy source from super hot 374 degree C rocks underground

Scientists study superheated rocks at depths of nearly 10 kilometers as a potential renewable energy source to replace fossil fuels.

As the world shifts toward renewable energy, geothermal energy has received a lot of attention. Geothermal power plants typically harness heat from the Earth’s surface. But now scientists are turning their attention to a more powerful source of geothermal energy: superheated rock.

A new report by a team from Cornell University and the Clean Air Task Force (CATF) highlights the potential of superheated rocks as a significant renewable energy source, providing abundant, reliable, and cost-effective electricity.

Traditional geothermal energy sources are limited to areas of high heat flow near the Earth's surface - usually near tectonic plate boundaries. However, new technology is making geothermal energy more accessible by harnessing the energy from superheated rock.

Superheated rock is rock deep in the Earth’s crust that has been heated to temperatures exceeding 374 degrees Celsius. To mine it, you need to drill deep into the Earth’s crust and pump water into the superheated rock. The water is heated and then returns to the surface as steam. The steam can be used to generate electricity or produce hydrogen.

In 2022, Cornell University drilled a 2-mile-deep exploratory well to study the potential of this geothermal energy source. However, to harness the energy from the super-hot rock, it would be necessary to drill at least 6 miles deep.

To safely access energy from super-hot rocks, the team stressed that it is necessary to choose the right location and understand the conditions underground. Geothermal projects depend on detailed information about temperature, pressure, water flow and rock properties. Significant advances in drilling equipment and techniques are also needed to reduce risks and increase efficiency.

"Unlike other renewable energy technologies that can be easily scaled up, geothermal power generation is highly location-dependent, which leads to a number of risks and is a major obstacle to commercial development. By identifying cutting-edge technologies and research and development opportunities, we hope to overcome these obstacles and accelerate the commercial development of this technology," said Seth Saltiel, co-author of the new report.

Source: https://doanhnghiepvn.vn/cong-nghe/nguon-nang-luong-tu-da-sieu-nong-374-do-c-duoi-long-dat/20241217100533146