Enhanced Geothermal Systems Could Expand Geothermal Power Generation - CleanTechnica

The article discusses the potential of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) to significantly expand geothermal power generation in the United States. Unlike conventional geothermal systems that rely on naturally occurring hydrothermal reservoirs found in limited locations near tectonic boundaries or volcanic hotspots, EGS uses advanced drilling technologies—borrowed from oil and gas industries—to create artificial hydrothermal reservoirs where none exist. This innovation could allow geothermal power plants to be established across a much wider geographic area, beyond the western states where geothermal resources are currently concentrated. The U.S. currently has about 3.7 gigawatts (GW) of conventional geothermal capacity, representing only 0.2% of summer peak generating capacity. However, the U.S. Geological Survey estimates that the Great Basin alone could support 135 GW of EGS capacity, and other studies project that up to 500 GW of cost-effective geothermal power could be developed nationwide by 2050. Despite this promise, challenges remain, including the high costs and technical difficulties of deep