About this episode

The episode discusses the potential of conventional geothermal resources in the US and how AI can aid in their discovery.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.volts.wtf/subscribe Zanskar argues that the US is badly underestimating its conventional geothermal resources — that there are far more undiscovered hydrothermal systems, and that each one can produce far more power, than people think. They think AI can help find those resources, and they have drilled three sites to back it up, including a “blind” discovery in Nevada with no surface signs and no prior exploratory wells. If they're right, terawatts of firm, carbon-free power are reachable with off-the-shelf drilling technology. Co-founders Carl Hoiland and Joel Edwards make the case. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 03:29 – Heat, permeability, and how resources have been found 04:49 – Why conventional geothermal stalled, and why the estimate is stale 09:22 – Applying AI to old exploration data 11:10 – The data Zanskar works with 13:09 – Models, field testing, and the feedback loop 15:02 – How much more resource is really out there 20:22 – Lightning Dock: reviving a written-off field 22:14 – What has changed in drilling technology 28:37 – Pumpernickel and the…

People in this episode

Host: David Roberts

Guests: Carl Hoiland, Joel Edwards

Topics covered

• geothermal energy
• AI in exploration
• renewable resources
• energy technology
• hydrothermal systems

Keywords

• geothermal
• AI
• energy
• exploration
• hydrothermal
• Nevada
• renewable

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Zanskar, NV Energy

Places: Nevada

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