In a major move to enhance energy resilience and meet federal renewable energy targets, the Department of Defense (DOD) is turning to geothermal energy for military installations across the United States. The Army's initiative in Alaska is part of a broader strategy to harness geothermal power to support federal energy mandates, requiring DOD installations to achieve at least 99.9% energy resilience by 2030.
Dr. Ravi Chaudhary, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Installations, and Environment, highlighted the strategic importance of geothermal energy, stating, "Geothermal sources strengthen our energy grids and give us the ability to isolate threats before they impact our operations."
Among the most notable projects is the geothermal endeavor at Fort Wainwright in Fairbanks, Alaska. Facing frigid winter temperatures that often plummet below negative-40 Fahrenheit, the Army has contracted Teverra, a geothermal energy company, to explore the feasibility of extracting heat from deep underground. This effort includes collaboration with local Alaskans, seeking access to their existing wells for temperature measurements deep below the surface.
Eve A. Baker, spokesperson for Fort Wainwright, emphasized the community's role, noting, "Teverra needs to measure the temperature at numerous locations deep underground, and they are asking for the public’s help in allowing access to extremely deep wells for temperature measuring."
This project is one of seven ongoing geothermal initiatives at military bases in Alaska, Nevada, California, Idaho, and Texas. These projects are part of the DOD’s larger effort to increase renewable energy usage and improve energy security. The feasibility studies and testing phases, which can take up to two years, are crucial for determining the viability and potential of these geothermal systems. However, as stated in a recent EGS study, these states serve as some of the most viable states for largescale geothermal projects currently.
For geothermal drilling companies, these projects represent a significant business opportunity. The potential to contribute to federal energy goals, alongside the economic benefits of large-scale geothermal energy projects, could translate into substantial revenue for drillers involved in these initiatives. Drillers in these specific states that haven’t begun expanding into the geothermal sector may want to change that as these developments only continue to become more mainstream nationwide.
Geo-exchange systems, a key component of these geothermal projects, can significantly reduce energy consumption and emissions. According to the Army, these systems can lower energy usage by more than 40% compared to air-source heat pumps and over 70% to electric resistance heating with standard air-conditioning equipment.
As the DOD moves forward with these projects, the geothermal drilling industry stands to benefit immensely from the increased demand for expertise, technology, and drilling operations. The success of these projects could set a precedent for future geothermal energy initiatives, both within military installations and beyond, further advancing the adoption of this renewable energy source.
The drive towards geothermal energy not only aligns with the federal mandate for energy resilience but also underscores the broader push towards sustainable and secure energy solutions. For geothermal drillers, this represents a golden opportunity to play a pivotal role in a transformative energy sector.
As these projects progress, they will undoubtedly highlight the importance of geothermal energy in achieving energy independence and resilience, marking a significant step forward in the quest for sustainable energy solutions.
