geysers-sign1.jpg [3]

Enhanced geothermal system (EGS) technology took a huge hit recently when two EGS projects were shut down permanently.

After encountering a series of problems [4], including a safety review by the U.S. Department of Energy, AltaRock Energy [5]has decided to abandon its EGS project at the Geysers.  AltaRock, a geothermal start-up company that has received over $36 million in funding from private investors and the government, has removed its drilling rig and informed the DOE that "it will not be continuing work at the Geysers."

Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, in Switzerland, government officials permanently halted an EGS project because it had caused damaging earthquakes in 2006 and 2007.

Despite these two setbacks, the Obama administration remains steadfast in its support of geothermal energy:  “the Department of Energy believes that geothermal energy holds enormous potential to heat our homes and power our economy while decreasing our carbon pollution," said DOE spokesperson Stephanie Mueller.  Nevertheless one has to wonder what the future holds for EGS technology, and if the federal government will continue to fund EGS projects?

Read the full story at the New York Times:  Geothermal Project in California Is Shut Down [6]

Image courtesy of Steve Cotler [7]