With the first few days of 2024 under our belt, we’ve taken a moment to reflect on everything that Utah FORGE accomplished during the past year. There’s a lot to be proud of.
First and foremost, the Utah FORGE site has reached its designed purpose of becoming a full-scale underground research laboratory. With the successful completion of the production well 16B(78)-32 and water well 58B-32, there are now eight wells – totaling over 10 miles of footage drilled! A successful stimulation of well 16A(78)-32 was also completed this spring, helping us gain significant insight as we work toward connectivity. Additionally, the site includes a state-of-the-art seismic monitoring system, which is essential for understanding the creation and growth of the reservoir fracture network and for mitigating hazards. Utah FORGE is the only laboratory of its kind in the world where the tools required for enhanced geothermal systems research and development can be de-risked and the necessary technologies can be advanced.
EGS is the key to providing clean, renewable energy virtually anywhere in the world. Its successful commercialization may prove to be a game-changer in addressing climate change and helping to power underserved populations around the globe.
Thirteen new R&D project selectees in five topic areas were also chosen to enter negotiations in 2023 under Solicitation 2022-2. They join 17 earlier projects funded through Solicitation 2020-1.
Echoing the words of Dr. Joseph Moore, Ph.D. and Managing Principal Investigator of the Utah FORGE project, “We are excited to collaborate on these new R&D projects. This research will be invaluable. Each breakthrough brings us another step closer to realizing the potential of geothermal energy, and the ability to generate EGS-based electricity anywhere in the world.”
We were also very honored to have had several dignitaries come to Utah to learn more about the project. In February, U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm visited the campus of the University of Utah, spending time learning more about geothermal energy and Utah FORGE. She was followed later in spring by Deputy Assistant Secretary of Energy Alejandro Moreno who also had the opportunity to tour the site, as did Utah’s Governor Spencer Cox and Colorado Governor Jared Polis during their visit in June.
In November, the Natural History Museum of Utah opened a new permanent exhibit called, “A Climate of Hope”. We’re grateful that it includes a section focused on Utah FORGE’s efforts in advancing enhanced geothermal systems research.
With another great year behind us, everyone at Utah FORGE is looking forward to the successes 2024 will bring!
Spanning more than 45 square miles, The Geysers in northern California is the largest geothermal power plant complex in the world. For over a century, its steam has powered innovation, clean energy, and communities across the region.
Before it became the world’s largest geothermal power-producing site, The Geysers was known as the “Gates to Hades,” drawing visitors with its healing waters, steam vents, and wild legends.
One of the many obstacles for hopeful settlers is the need for power and heat on these barren landscapes. Some geologists and other scientists theorize that geothermal energy may be the answer.
