The Department of the Air Force (DAF) has awarded its first contract to study the feasibility of an advanced geothermal plant. This innovative plant will utilize geopressurized systems (GGS), with the goal of generating clean energy and ensure the energy self-sufficiency of its facilities. Houston-based Sage Geosystems will lead the project, which will take place in Starr County, Texas.
This contract, valued at $1.9 million, will be matched by Sage Geosystems, doubling the total investment in the demonstration plant. The GGS technology, which reuses the technique of hydraulic fracturing to harness subway thermal energy, will be key to producing electricity without relying on geological formations. This plant, planned for 2025, would be the first of its kind in the world.
Geothermal power plant for energy resilience
The contract with Sage Geosystems is part of the Department of the Air Force’s efforts to achieve energy resilience. The project aims to make Joint Reserve Air Force Base Ellington Field in Houston capable of operating self-sufficiently during power outages. According to Kirk Phillips, director of the Air Force Energy Assurance Office, this initiative will improve the base’s operational capabilities in critical situations.
In addition to being an efficient and sustainable energy solution, advanced geothermal promises to reduce the environmental impact compared to other renewable sources. The GGS system, being less dependent on climatic conditions than solar energy, is also less solar energy or wind energy, it could also have important civilian applications in urban areas.
The company’s breakthrough adds to its growing efforts to harness geothermal energy geothermal energyas is being done by Meta is doing with its own renewable energy project. Like Meta, which is looking to integrate geothermal to reduce its carbon footprint, the Air Force is exploring next-generation technologies to ensure energy self-sufficiency. Both projects reflect a global shift toward more sustainable and resilient energy sources that benefit both private companies and government entities.
The Air Force and its geothermal projects
This project is just the beginning. The Air Force has launched three geothermal pilot projects in 2023, and more sites are already being considered for future installations.“Geothermal energy is a safe and cost-effective source,” Phillips said, highlighting the possibility of replicating these plants at more U.S. military installations.
For her part, Cindy Taff, CEO of Sage Geosystems, underscored the potential impact of this collaboration.
Next-generation geothermal technologies such as GGS will be key to achieving energy resilience at military installations.
Lieutenant Colonel Christian Campbell of the 147th Civil Engineer Squadron was enthusiastic about participating in this project, which could position the Air Force as a leader in global energy sustainability.
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Source: Sage Geosystems
Photo: shutterstock
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