CleanTechnica•about 2 months ago
Exposing the Learning-Curve Myth: Why Enhanced Geothermal Cannot Follow Solar’s Cost Trajectory
Key Takeaway
Developers and large power consumers should temper expectations for rapid cost declines in Enhanced Geothermal Systems, as its unique challenges prevent it from replicating solar's learning curve, impacting future firm power strategies and costs.
AI Summary
- •Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) are unlikely to achieve the rapid cost reductions seen in solar power due to inherent complexities in drilling, geological uncertainty, and lack of standardization, challenging optimistic projections.
- •The article suggests that EGS will not become a cheap, scalable source of firm, low-carbon electricity as quickly as advocates hope, impacting resource planning and PPA pricing for firm power.
- •Policy agencies' scenarios for EGS costs may be overly optimistic, implying a need for recalibration in energy policy and investment strategies for firm, decarbonized power.
- •For developers and large power consumers, this means EGS is less likely to be a near-term, cost-effective solution for 24/7 clean power, necessitating continued reliance on or investment in other firm generation or storage technologies.
Topics
emissionsfinancingpolicyppasolar
Article Content
Enhanced geothermal systems have been positioned by advocates as a scalable source of firm, low carbon electricity that can complement wind and solar. The idea has appeal. The deep heat of the crust is available everywhere and geothermal energy is not intermittent. Policy agencies have published scenarios showing EGS costs ... [continued] The post Exposing the Learning-Curve Myth: Why Enhanced Geothermal Cannot Follow Solar’s Cost Trajectory appeared first on CleanTechnica .