Texas: The Next Frontier for Geothermal Energy

As the world shifts to renewable energy, Texas, known for its oil industry, is becoming a leader in geothermal energy. Geothermal’s ability to provide continuous, emissions-free electricity makes it a crucial part of the clean energy mix. Unlike solar and wind, which are intermittent, geothermal runs 24/7, ensuring a stable power supply. This reliability is ideal for powering carbon-free data centers and replacing baseload fossil fuel capacity like coal.

Texas’ geothermal potential lies in hot, dry rock (HDR) resources, which require Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) or Advanced Geothermal Systems (AGS). These man-made reservoirs utilize temperature differences between hot rock and cooler water (EGS) or closed-loop systems (AGS) to generate energy. Oil and gas techniques like hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling are key to unlocking geothermal resources.

For areas where geothermal resources aren't hot enough to produce steam directly, Binary Cycle Power Plants are used. These plants are ideal for Texas’ lower-temperature geothermal fluids.

What Are Binary Cycle Geothermal Power Plants?

Binary cycle plants use two fluid cycles to generate electricity:

• Primary Cycle: Extracts geothermal heat from underground.

• Secondary Cycle: Converts this heat into mechanical energy, driving a generator.

These plants operate on low-temperature geothermal fluids (below 182°C/360°F) and use a secondary fluid with a lower boiling point than water, which flashes to vapor. The vapor drives turbines, generating electricity with minimal emissions since the fluids are kept separate.

As geothermal energy progresses, Texas is positioned to lead the way in developing EGS, AGS, and binary cycle plants. With its oil and gas expertise, the state is poised to drive the next phase of renewable energy.

In our next article, we’ll explore the key elements of a geothermal energy Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

Learn more: Texas Geothermal Energy Alliance

PUC Chapter 25 Renewable Energy Credit Program

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