Quaise Energy receives DOE funding for Project Obsidian geothermal plant
What happened
Quaise Energy received funding of up to $25 million from the U.S. Department of Energy to advance Project Obsidian in Central Oregon. The support will enable the completion of the first well triplet, which is designed to demonstrate more than 25 megawatts of gross electric power capacity. The project involves Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and Oregon State University.
From intelligencer.ca
Why it matters
The funding supports the commercialization of superhot Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), a technology that could unlock firm, clean power from hot rock beneath various geographies. This effort is part of a larger $99 million DOE initiative to advance geothermal energy development across the United States.
From intelligencer.ca
Who's involved
- Central OregonLocation of Project Obsidian, a commercial superhot geothermal power plant
- BendCity geographically situated within the Central Oregon region
- Deschutes CountyCounty where Project Obsidian is located
- Oregon Department of Environmental QualityState agency responsible for environmental permitting and regulatory oversight
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- Central OregonSpeculative
The project's successful commercialization might establish a high-tech energy profile for the region, affecting investment.
- Deschutes CountySpeculative
The project might drive regional economic and infrastructure growth, increasing local demand.
- Oregon Department of Environmental QualitySpeculative
Geothermal development might require environmental permitting and regulatory oversight, impacting the agency's workload and costs.
- BendSpeculative
Bend might benefit from the overall regional economic profile enhancement driven by the project, potentially increasing sales.
Keep exploring
The entities involved
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Central Oregon
region in the state of Oregon, USA
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Bend
city in and county seat of Deschutes County, Oregon, United States