A group of geologists in Dunedin are hoping to reduce climate-damaging emissions by drilling deep into an extinct 11-million-year-old volcano below the South Island city to harness its heat. Dr Mike Palin and Otago University colleagues are exploring whether the heat could be a viable energy resource, “thereby reducing carbon-based fuel consumption and consequent greenhouse gas emissions”. The energy would be captured by pumping water underground in a loop, and then being used to heat buildings. While geothermal energy typically calls to mind vigorous surface hot springs, much of that same energy lies not far beneath the surface, said Palin. “There are lots of places where heat is at a relatively shallow depth, within a kilometre of the surface.

Source: The Guardian November 24, 2020 04:52 UTC