Texas is the second largest state in the US after Alaska, and the Lone Star state has always utilized the vast natural resources, including gas and oil, under its more than 586,000 square miles of land.
But researchers have recently found an entirely new and far more sustainable energy source under Texas’ soil, and it may change the state, the country, and maybe even the world.
On the Hunt for Renewable Energy Sources
As everyone knows, humans have caused extreme and irreparable damage to planet Earth. From gathering and using fossil fuels, including gas and oil, to mining for coal, lithium, and various other minerals, our world is struggling to right its wrongs.
Therefore, people around the world have dedicated their lives to trying to find renewable and sustainable energy sources in the hopes of changing our ways and saving the planet before it’s too late.
No Renewable Energy Sources Are Perfect
Although they have found several energy sources that are far better for the environment, including solar panels, wind turbines, and even hydrogen, all of these options have several disadvantages.
So, while some researchers will continue to work to improve these energy alternatives, others have decided that the best possible solution to the energy crisis is sitting just below our feet.
What Is Geothermal Energy?
Geothermal energy is the practice of utilizing heat within the Earth’s surface as an energy source. It is completely renewable because the internal heat is continuously and naturally produced.
Interestingly, our ancient ancestors discovered geothermal energy some 10,000 years ago; studies show that indigenous cultures in North America used the naturally forming geothermal energy to cook their food, warm themselves during the winter months, and as a gathering place for ritual practices.
Using Geothermal Energy for Electricity
However, it wasn’t until 1904 that humans figured out how to utilize this natural resource as an energy source for electricity.
Since then, people around the world have been working to maximize the amount of energy that can be drawn from the Earth’s geothermal heat, but it hasn’t been easy.
The US Generates More Geothermal Electricity Than Any Other Country
Several nations use geothermal energy to power at least some of their total electricity use. Iceland leads the way by a landslide, as 66% of its primary energy is generated by geothermal heat.
However, the United States actually produces more geothermal electricity than any other country. It just isn’t enough to power a large percentage of the nation’s overall usage because the US is so much larger and more populated than Iceland.
The US Has 93 Geothermal Energy Power Plants
The US produces a whopping 7.7 billion kilowatt-hours of geothermal electricity every year in its 93 power plants. Comparatively, Iceland only produces 5.95 billion kilowatt-hours.
However, because that only accounts for 0.4% of the US’s overall energy use, researchers have been hunting for more geothermal energy hotspots around the country. And in May 2024, they finally found what they were looking for.
Finding a Plethora of Geothermal Activity in Texas
Researchers at the University of Texas Austin studied the area around Presidio, Texas, near the western border for nine months before they found the geothermal energy they were looking for. They then quickly realized they had located a renewable energy goldmine.
Ken Wisian, the leader of the UT study, explained, “[The] bottom line is, the immediate area in Presidio, but the whole county, looks like a really good development target. As good or better than areas that are already being developed in Texas.”
There Are Several Downsides to Using Geothermal Energy
It’s important to understand that while this finding in Texas may seem wildly exciting and possibly the solution to the ongoing use of dangerous fossil fuels, geothermal energy does come with its own set of downsides.
First and foremost, because accessing geothermal energy means injecting water into areas with hot subsurface rocks, water pollution is certainly a concern. Although the area around Presidio, Texas, isn’t highly populated, those who do live in the region could start seeing contaminated water from their taps.
Harvesting Geothermal Energy Causes Earthquakes
The process of harvesting geothermal energy to use for electricity is also known to cause earthquakes, as the water injection causes tremors within the Earth’s surface.
In fact, in 2018, a geothermal power plant caused the second-largest earthquake in modern history in South Korea.
Geothermal Energy Is Still Far More Sustainable Than Oil and Gas
Although these concerns are valid, the truth is that geothermal energy generation is far more sustainable and safe for both the environment and people than the use of fossil fuels, such as oil and gas.
And there are several teams of researchers working to make geothermal harvesting even safer than it is now.
Is Geothermal Energy the Future?
Whether or not geothermal electricity is the future of energy remains to be seen. Many researchers argue that with the new developments in extraction and the many new hot spots being located around the world, it very well could be.
However, in order for geothermal energy to entirely replace fossil fuels, there is still a lot of work to be done. More than anything, they need to find more locations where they can safely harvest this incredible energy source. Luckily, the finding in Presidio, Texas, is a great step in the right direction.
