U.S. Geothermal Energy Project Taps Heat and Saves Water

Geothermal company XGS Energy is receiving part of a $99 million federal push from the U.S. Department of Energy to accelerate geothermal energy. XGS Energy plans to drill a deep vertical well in New Mexico to better understand the state’s resources.

Geothermal power provides electricity around the clock, though it uses a lot of water. Geographically, that is not ideal for New Mexico, given its hot, water-scarce environment. XGS has a solution with its system that generates power without consuming water, a lifesaver for New Mexico.

Team Effort for Better Geothermal Data

XGS is partnering with Baker Hughes, New Mexico Tech, and Sandia National Laboratories to gather data from deep underground by checking downhole temperatures and pulling core samples.

This information tells them exactly what they’re up against below the surface. Having the right data early on reduces unknowns and speeds up the process of getting reliable energy onto the grid.

“New Mexico sits on a substantial and exciting geothermal resource, and we’re grateful to the Department of Energy for investing in the subsurface data needed to transform our nation’s abundant geothermal resources into affordable, reliable American energy,” Lucy Darago, Chief Commercial Officer of XGS Energy, explained. “This selection positions XGS to advance our understanding of these resources, and we are glad to deliver this project alongside public- and private-sector partners who have spent decades advancing New Mexico’s innovation and industry ecosystem.”

Building a Workforce

According to the scientists and engineers, this project goes beyond power. They emphasized its role in creating jobs and developing a real-world classroom.

 “New Mexico Tech is uniquely positioned to utilize its considerable knowledge of the state’s geologic, hydrologic, and energy systems to develop a skilled local workforce,” Dr. Shari Kelley, Senior Research Scientist at the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, explained.

“This project gives us a real-world view of the skills that geothermal development demands, and we’ll use that insight to shape our geothermal certificate program and future training across New Mexico, while working with XGS to keep local communities informed and engaged,” Kelley concluded.