The Texas Energy Report - 2008 - Geothermal Energy

Geothermal Energy / Exploration

Chapter 21 - Geothermal Energy Geothermal (meaning "earth heat") energy involves using the high temperatures produced beneath the earth to generate electricity from heated water, as well as for various direct uses (such as hot springs spas, lumber drying or aquaculture). The term geothermal is also applied to the temperatures of the Earth near the surface which are used as a source of consistent temperatures for heating and cooling of buildings. Geothermal applications that involve water heated within the earth are also called hydrothermal processes.

While geothermal energy is not being used to generate electricity in Texas at present, some of these emerging technologies hold considerable promise for the state. Geothermal energy is the focus of considerable interest and activity in Texas, due to the emergence of new technologies and the state's long experience with subsurface oil and gas extraction. Indeed, 2007 brought the first leases of state lands for geothermal exploration.

Original URL: https://comptroller.texas.gov/specialrpt/energy/renewable/geo.php