Untapped potential of geothermal energy – Presentation by Susan Petty

In a presentation at a Breakfast meeting of the CleanTech Alliance, Susan Petty, Co-Founder of AltaRock Energy makes a passionate case for geothermal energy.

Petty founded AltaRock in 2007 to develop technology that would expand the use of geothermal energy outside traditional areas, and to reduce costs and risks associated with the technique. She brought 40 years of experience in geothermal research, policy and technology development to start the company that is changing possibilities in the field.

Petty sees more potential for geothermal, including use as a baseload energy source, a consistent renewable source that could replace aging coal mines, and energy storage for intermittent renewables such as wind and solar.

“As more wind and solar plants come online we need more options for energy storage and balancing,” Petty said. “Geothermal reservoirs can store energy from solar and wind underground as hot water which can then be converted into steam at peak demand times.”

She then talks about AltaRock Energy and its technology that aims to help geothermal energy a more viable renewable energy option.

Have a look at the presentation below.

CleanTech Alliance Breakfast Series: Susan Petty of AltaRock Energy from CleanTech Alliance on Vimeo.