AI helps US start-up discover hidden geothermal energy reserve
What's the story
Zanskar Geothermal & Minerals, a Utah-based start-up, has discovered a hidden geothermal energy source in the western Nevada desert. The company used artificial intelligence (AI) to identify the 250-degree Fahrenheit reservoir, dubbed "Big Blind." The site is unique as it bears no visual signs of its existence such as hot springs or geysers and has no prior history of geothermal exploration.
Technological breakthrough
AI's role in identifying geothermal reserves
Zanskar's discovery highlights the potential of AI in locating geothermal reserves. The company's models were trained on data from known "blind" systems, which have been accidentally discovered while drilling for oil and gas over the last century. These models analyze a wide range of data, from rock composition to magnetic fields, to identify patterns indicative of geothermal reserves.
Energy source
Geothermal energy's potential and challenges
Geothermal energy is a near-limitless, low-pollution power source that could meet the growing demand for clean energy. However, finding and scaling it has been a challenge due to its specific geological requirements. These include underground reservoirs of hot water or steam and porous rocks that allow this water to circulate, heat up, and be extracted for turbine operation.
Confirmation process
Zanskar's drilling confirms geothermal reserve
After identifying a potential location, Zanskar drilled down to confirm the existence and temperature of the reserve. At Big Blind, they drilled wells up to some 2,700 feet deep and found porous rock at 250 degrees Fahrenheit. The company now knows that this site is at least large enough to support a power plant but is yet to determine its full potential.
Resource potential
Zanskar's discovery could unlock US geothermal resources
Zanskar's discovery is significant as it could unlock a large portion of the US's untapped geothermal resources. James Faulds, a professor of geosciences at Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, estimates that over three-quarters of US geothermal resources are "blind." He said refining methods to find such systems could unleash tens and perhaps hundreds of gigawatts in the western US alone.