Wednesday, April 18, 2012

USA:

Energy Department Selects Top Ten Schools Nationwide to Advance Geothermal Power (News Release - Geothermal Technologies Program)

Three finalists will present their findings at the GRC Annual Meeting 

The Energy Department has announced finalists in the 2012 National Geothermal Student Competition (NGSC) to explore the economic feasibility of harvesting geothermal energy in the Snake River Plain, Idaho. Student teams at leading universities nationwide presented cutting-edge research in geothermal explorations in geology, geoscience, chemical and bio-molecular energy, and engineering. As part of the Obama administration's all-of-the-above approach to clean, domestic, renewable energy, geothermal potential offers a reliable, baseload solution in the mix of renewable options.

"A competition of this kind expands our base of knowledge," explains Doug Hollett, program manager for the Department of Energy's Geothermal Technologies Program. "Students gain invaluable experience in the field, and industry secures vital research and development to advance an energy source that remains largely untapped."

Now in its second year, the annual competition offers a first-of-its kind intercollegiate incentive to explore new technologies while reducing the risks associated with geothermal development. The Department of Energy awards $10,000 in technical assistance funding for student teams to implement their proposals. 

The winners of the 2012 selection are:
  1. SMU Geothermal Lab - Southern Methodist University 
  2. University of Idaho 
  3. Idaho State University 
  4. Boise State University 
  5. Cornell University Sustainable Design 
  6. University of Texas, Austin 
  7. Cornell University Energy Institute 
  8. University of Nevada, Reno 
  9. Colorado School of Mines 
  10. University of California, Davis 
The Snake River Valley in Idaho has been identified as one of six prominent areas in the United States for near-term geothermal exploration. Each location maintains temperatures of more than 200°C at a depth of less than three miles, optimal conditions for tapping geothermal resources.

Three experts in the geothermal industry selected the winning proposals from a pool of national candidates. The process was managed by Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE)—a Department of Energy institute with a focus on educating the next generation of science and technology leaders. The competition culminates in Reno, Nevada in September, when three finalists will present their findings to the Geothermal Resources Council at the GRC Annual Meeting at the Peppermill Resort Spa, September 30-October 3.

Geothermal resources offer domestic energy potential from the heat of the earth, a vital asset because of its small environmental footprint, baseload power reserves, and minimal emissions of greenhouse gases. To learn more, visit the ORISE National Geothermal Student Competition site.