Geothermal energy and the revival of a forgotten renewable

01/05/23 • 58 min

Tim Latimer was working as a drilling engineer in South Texas when he couldn't shake a newfound curiosity.
Latimer was new to the oil and gas industry, and in 2012, the industry was at the height of the shale revolution. He was tasked with navigating the challenges created by high drilling temperatures in the Eagle Ford Shale region.
As he did more research Latimer discovered the world of geothermal energy. Fast forward a decade later and his company, Fervo Energy, is leading the revival of what Latimer calls a forgotten renewable.
Latimer joined the Texas Power Podcast from Renewable Energy World to discuss his background, geothermal's resurgence, and the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on the industry.
Episode notes:
-Read this podcast's article on Renewable Energy World
-Listen to the Texas Power Podcast episode featuring Texas Geothermal Energy Alliance Chairman Barry Smitherman
-Check out this Volts Podcast episode on enhanced geothermal energy's potential

Previous Episode

Drilling for renewables in Texas

As if it wasn’t enough that Texas has some of the best wind resource, best solar resource, and largest shale oil and gas deposits in the world, the Lone Star State also has a great geothermal resource. Unlike the others resources, though, geothermal is yet to be tapped. That’s about to change.

The Texas Geothermal Alliance launched last year and has grown to nearly 50 members including major oil and gas companies, power generators, and pure play geothermal companies.

On Episode 4 of the Texas Power Podcast, host Doug Lewin is joined by Barry Smitherman, TxGEA’s chairman and president. Barry’s not new to the energy world in Texas though. He’s the only Texan to ever chair both the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Railroad Commission (which regulates oil and gas). He literally has a unique perspective.
Barry and Doug talked about geothermal and how perfectly suited it is to a state that has drilled—get this—one million wells. They also discussed the ongoing PUC market design debates and discussions which are reaching a sort of crescendo as the PUC drives toward a January 12 decision just two days after the Texas Legislature gavels in for their biennial regular session.
If you like the Texas Power Podcast, please leave a rating and review!
The Texas Power Podcast is a production of Renewable Energy World and Clarion Energy. Check out our podcast for the solar industry, Factor This!
You can connect with Texas Power Podcast host Doug Lewin on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Next Episode

A Cambrian explosion of distributed energy in Texas

Texans can now get paid for supporting the grid with their solar panels and batteries as part of a new virtual power plant pilot project.
What happens next could lead to rapid deployment of resilient and clean distributed energy resources across the state.
But realizing that potential won't be easy. One of the biggest hurdles is customer engagement.
Octopus Energy US CEO Michael Lee joined Episode 6 Texas Power Podcast to discuss his extensive background in energy, his company's participation in the VPP pilot, and his vision for bringing the benefits of distributed energy to the masses.
This episode builds on Episode 2 featuring Amy Heart, VP of public policy at Sunrun.
If you like the Texas Power Podcast, please leave a rating and review!
The Texas Power Podcast is a production of Renewable Energy World and Clarion Energy. Check out our podcast for the solar industry, Factor This!
You can connect with Texas Power Podcast host Doug Lewin on Twitter and LinkedIn.