University of Oklahoma wins DOE Geothermal Collegiate Competition
A team from the University of Oklahoma have claimed first prize in the Geothermal Collegiate Competition for a design that repurposes abandoned oil and gas wells to supply geothermal energy.
The Sooners Geothermal Team from the University of Oklahoma (OU) has won first place and USD 10,000 funding in the 2022 Geothermal Collegiate Competition hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The winning team designed a system for repurposing of abandoned oil and gas wells in Shawnee, Oklahoma to provide clean energy for more than 730,000 sq. feet of buildings.
The Geothermal Collegiate Competition is designed to inspire students to consider new career opportunities, learn geothermal industry-relevant skills, and connect students to their communities. As part of the competition, students assumed the role of project developers, working with communities across the U.S. to identify local energy challenges and explore geothermal energy solutions.
In addition to technical research, teams conducted an economic feasibility analysis, crafted a strategy for local stakeholder engagement, and created geothermal education modules in partnership with local schools.
Second place and USD 5,000 in funding was secured by the University of North Dakota. This team came up with a design for a combined heat and power geothermal system for the city of New Town, North Dakota. This system not only had the potential to provide heat and power for the entire district, but can also supply heat for greenhouses and aquaculture.
Last year’s edition of the Geothermal Collegiate Competition was won by the University of North Dakota with Reykjavik University, as we reported.
Finally, third place and USD 2,500 in funding was awarded to the University of Boulder-Colorado. The team designed a geothermal ground source heat pump for a local non-profit that supports young people from under-resourced communities. In addition to the technical design, the team also provided education on geothermal.
“These teams presented incredibly complex systems and technical processes in innovative ways to a diverse set of stakeholders,” said Geothermal Technologies Office Stakeholder Engagement Lead Elisabet Metcalfe.
The 2023 Geothermal Collegiate Competition will take place during the spring semester. Team applications are expected to be opened by Fall 2022.
Source: U.S. Department of Energy