On this episode, we dive into geothermal energy, a process that involves tapping into underground reservoirs of heat and steam and using that heat either directly or to generate electricity. Geothermal is attracting the attention of state lawmakers who are looking for additional clean energy sources, new techniques to generate geothermal energy by pumping water into heated layers of the Earth, make geothermal an option in areas of the country where the underground reservoirs of hot water have disappeared. 

Joining the podcast to explain the issue are Sarah Jewett, vice president for strategy at Fervo Energy, and Alex McWard, who tracks energy issues for NCSL. 

Jewett had explained the history of the geothermal industry, how new techniques have changed the outlook for geothermal and the role she thinks this energy sector will play as demand increases sharply for electricity. McWard pointed to a few states that have taken legislative action to encourage geothermal development and why some state lawmakers are excited about the potential of geothermal. 

Resources

• Fervo Energy
• Webinar: “Heating Up: The Emergence of Geothermal Energy,” NCSL