Google has started a unique geothermal project in Nevada that will supply renewable power to its data centers without emitting carbon. It is working with energy firm Fervo to create a plant that aligns with its goal of relying solely on carbon-free energy by 2030.
Although this Fervo plant is set to provide only a modest 3.5 megawatts of energy, its real significance lies in the innovative methods it employs to harness geothermal power. If successful, these techniques could be implemented on a larger scale to provide environmentally friendly energy worldwide.
Building a geothermal plant usually involves finding a suitable location with naturally occurring fractures in the ground to make drilling easier and access the Earth’s heat. However, these locations are hard to find and there is no guarantee that the heat obtained will be sufficient, making it a costly risk.
Fervo is using techniques inspired by fracking in the oil and gas industry to drill vertically and then horizontally, before applying high-pressure fluids to break the rock further.
After laying pipes, water is pumped underground and heated in a long horizontal channel. It then returns to the surface to generate electricity using a turbine. This closed-loop system recycles the same water and prevents any wastage.
The newly operational location has the potential to revolutionize renewable energy by enabling the establishment of geothermal plants in previously deemed impossible areas.
Currently, Google’s plant has low output, so it will rely on wind and solar energy, industries in which Google considers itself a leading supporter.
Reference- The Verge, Google Newsroom, Interesting Engineering, Futurism, Vox