New Mexico Tech tests the waters of geothermal heat
The university has introduced plans for a geothermal plant and graduate engineering program.
According to an Associated Press report , amongst other renewable
energy research projects, New Mexico Tech , Socorro, N.M.,
rolled out a plan to heat the university using naturally warm groundwater,
which would save the university $800,000 in natural gas bills annually.
The U.S.
Department of Energy has already awarded $473,000 to drill a 1,500-ft
geothermal test well; although private-sector businesses may need to help
finance the rest of the $11 million geothermal plant.
While power-producing
geothermal stations require very-hot groundwater to spin a turbine, New Mexico
Tech’s direct-use space heating approach would use the region’s warm groundwater,
and a heat exchanger to heat buildings.
“A
lot can be done with warm groundwater,” said the university’s vice
president for research, Dr. Van Romero. “You can heat a fish tank or heat
a greenhouse and grow roses.”
If the plant is built, it
could heat the entire campus and the university could turn the hot topic of
geothermal energy into a graduate engineering program that would complement its
already world-class hydrogeology department.
Do you have experience and expertise with the topics mentioned in this content? You should consider contributing to our WTWH Media editorial team and getting the recognition you and your company deserve. Click here to start this process.
Related Resources
