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IEEE Spectrum·

💡Fervo Energy Launches 33-MW Geothermal Unit in Utah

Renewable Energy Just Got a Big Boost

TL;DR

Fervo Energy's 33-MW geothermal unit in Utah is now online, marking a significant step in renewable energy. The project could lower costs and increase scalability for geothermal power.

Fervo Energy has flipped the switch on a 33-megawatt geothermal unit in Utah, starting commercial operations on October 1. This marks a major milestone for the startup, which is using oil and gas drilling techniques to harness energy from hot, dry rocks. The project, which will eventually scale to 500 MW, is set to deliver power at $7,000 per kilowatt for Phase 1 and $5,500 for Phase 2, making geothermal more competitive. This is a big deal for renewable energy, as it shows the potential for geothermal to become a more scalable and affordable source of power.

Fervo Energy Launches 33-MW Geothermal Unit in Utah — IEEE Spectrum

Key Points

1

Fervo Energy's 33-MW geothermal unit in Utah began commercial operations on October 1, 2023.

2

The project will eventually scale to 500 MW, with Phase 1 delivering power at $7,000 per kilowatt.

3

Phase 2 of the project is slated to come online in 2028 at $5,500 per kilowatt.

4

Fervo Energy uses drilling techniques from the oil and gas industry to create reservoirs in hot, dry rocks.

5

The startup already operates a 3.5-MW pilot plant in Nevada, which went online in late 2023.

Why It Matters

If you're involved in renewable energy projects, Fervo Energy's 33-MW geothermal unit in Utah is a game changer. The project's economics, with Phase 1 at $7,000 per kilowatt and Phase 2 at $5,500, make geothermal more competitive. This could significantly impact the scalability and affordability of geothermal power, making it a viable option for more locations.

geothermalrenewable-energystartupsfervo-energyoil-and-gas

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