The Future of Geothermal in Texas
After a year-long multi-disciplinary, cross-collaborative effort, researchers at five Texas universities, the University Lands Office, and the International Energy Agency published “The Future of Geothermal in Texas: The Coming Century of Growth & Prosperity in the Lone Star State.” Participating authors include researchers from The University of Texas at Austin, Southern Methodist University, Rice University, Texas A&M University, and the University of Houston. The landmark study evaluates the size and potential scale of geothermal – the naturally occurring heat energy in the Earth’s subsurface – as an abundant clean energy resource in the State of Texas, as well as its potential to scale globally over the coming decades. Most importantly, the Report provides a scientific basis for informed decision making as entities begin to consider increased development of geothermal in Texas, and provides a compelling roadmap to global decarbonization by 2050.
Executive Summary
Read the executive summary to learn what to expect from the report.
The Future of Geothermal in Texas: The Coming Century of Growth & Prosperity in the Lone Star State
Read the full report on the future of geothermal energy in Texas.
Preamble: Definitions, Abbreviations, Acknowledgements, Tables & Figures
The Future of Geothermal in Texas: Preamble
Introduction
Geothermal and the Lone Star State
Chapter 1
Geothermal and Electricity Production: Scalable Geothermal Concepts
Chapter 2
Direct Use Applications: Decarbonization of Industrial Processes & Heating and Cooling Scenarios
Chapter 3
Other Geothermal Concepts with Unique Applications in Texas
Chapter 4
The Texas Geothermal Resource: Regions and Geologies Ripe for Development
Chapter 5
The Oil and Gas Industry Role
Chapter 6
Oil and Gas Industry Engagement in Geothermal: The Data
Chapter 7
The Geothermal Business Model & the Oil and Gas Industry: Challenges and Opportunities
Chapter 8
Other Strategic Considerations for Geothermal in Texas
Chapter 9
The Texas Startup and Innovation Ecosystem
Chapter 10
Environmental Considerations and Impact
Chapter 11
Geothermal, the Texas Grid, and Economic Considerations
Chapter 12
Policy, Advocacy, and Regulatory Considerations in Texas
Chapter 13
State Stakeholders: Implications and Opportunities - General Lands Office and University Lands
Chapter 14
Who Owns Heat? Ownership of Geothermal Energy and Associated Resources under Texas Law
Chapter 15
Roadmap for Action
May 1st, 2023: An updated version of The Future of Geothermal in Texas has been uploaded, which addresses and incorporates feedback received from readers, including improved image and table resolution, improved graphics and text clarifications, correction of formatting and grammatical issues, and correction of broken links.
About the Future of Geothermal in Texas Report
Lead Authors
Jamie Beard, Project InnerSpace
Bryant Jones, Project InnerSpace
Dr. Dan Cohan, Rice University
Dr. Birol Dindoruk, University of Houston
Dr. Sergio Kapusta, Rice University
Tim Lines, Oilfield International
Dr. Silviu Livescu, University of Texas at Austin
Rebecca Schulz, International Energy Agency
Ben Sebree, The Sebree Law Firm
John Tackett, University Lands
Dr. Michael Webber, University of Texas at Austin
Dr. Ken Wisian, University of Texas at Austin
Dr. Michael Young, University of Texas at Austin
Contributing Authors
Dr. Shuvajit Bhattacharya, The University of Texas at Austin
Dr. Peter Boul, Rice University (formerly)
Dr. Thomas Deetjen, The University of Texas at Austin
Dr. Isabella Gee, The University of Texas at Austin
Dr. Yael Glazer, The University of Texas at Austin
Dr. Mark Hand, Southern Methodist University
Dr. Jihoon Kim, Texas A&M University
Jacquie Moss, The University of Texas at Austin
Dr. Joshua D. Rhodes, The University of Texas at Austin
Maria Richards, Southern Methodist University
Dr. Kan Wu, Texas A&M University