Episode 11 - Going Deep with Geothermal
In this episode of the Energy Futures Podcast, host Jonny Prest speaks with Dr Lior Suchoy, a Geoscientist, Scientific Consultant, and Postdoctoral Research Associate at Imperial College London. Together, they delve into the fascinating world of geothermal energy, exploring its potential as a sustainable energy source and its role in achieving a Net Zero future.
Dr. Suchoy explains the fundamentals of geothermal energy, enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), and the challenges and opportunities in utilising this largely untapped resource. They discuss the similarities between geothermal and traditional oil and gas exploration, the use of mine water for heating, and innovative ways to integrate geothermal energy into the UK's energy mix.
The conversation also highlights the transition of skills from the oil and gas sector to geothermal energy and the need for investment and research to overcome barriers to adoption. Dr. Suchoy shares his journey from geodynamics research to becoming a passionate advocate for geothermal energy, offering insights for anyone interested in the future of renewable energy.
Episode Overview
with timestamps
- Introduction [00:00:00] : Welcome to the Energy Futures Podcast
- Guest Introduction: Dr Lior Suchoy [00:00:31] : Jonny introduces Dr Lior Suchoy
- Exploring Geothermal Energy [00:01:03] : Basics and global potential
- Traditional Geothermal Energy [00:03:40] : Extraction methods and applications
- Enhanced Geothermal Systems [00:06:19] : Breaking rocks to generate energy
- Geothermal in the UK [00:10:14] : From bath springs to mine water heating
- Transitioning Skills from Oil and Gas [00:15:06] : Opportunities for industry talent
- Challenges of Geothermal Energy [00:18:34] : Costs, risks and public perception
- Geothermal and the Energy Mix [00:25:12] : Providing baseline energy for Net Zero
- Long-Term Sustainability of Geothermal Reservoirs [00:32:02] : Future innovations
- Enhanced Applications [00:36:11] : Heat storage, CO2 sequestration and more
- Barriers to Adoption [00:41:06] : Research, investment and infrastructure
- Lior's Journey [00:44:03] : From tectonics to geothermal energy
- Future of Geothermal [00:47:18] : A call to action for research and advocacy
- Closing Remarks [00:50:00] : How to connect with Dr. Suchoy
Meet Our Guests
Dr Lior Suchoy
Dr Lior Suchoy is a Research Associate in the Department of Earth Science and Engineering at Imperial College London. His research primarily focuses on rock mechanics but he also has a background in geodynamics
Related Resources
To deepen your understanding of the topics discussed in this episode, explore the following resources:
- Paper - Simulation of Enhanced Geothermal Systems Using Dynamic Unstructured Mesh Optimisation
- Article - Geothermal technology could help decarbonise the UK's heating and cooling
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