Cutting Edge Thermal Energy Research Now In Southern Utah

Site Near Milford in Beaver Is Leading the Way to Thermal Energy

With a grant from the Department of Energy, the University of Utah is working on a project called Utah Forge where they are trying to tap heat into the earth to create electricity. This is taking place near Milford in Beaver County.

The idea is to drill through granite to a place where there is geothermal activity. They then pump water into this area where it heats up. A second well retrieves the heated water and brings it to the surface where it is used to create energy.

They are basically creating a reservoir more than a mile under the earth, letting it heat up and bringing it back to run turbines that create electricity.

Why The Spot in Southern Utah?

The reason why the site was located in this part of Utah is that it has all the necessary elements. There are hot springs and faults where heated water is already evident. There is also potable water available.

There are also the researchers at the University of Utah nearby with their work on seismic activity and other research. This pool of smart people could also be tapped.

A Breakthrough Was Reached in 2024

Researchers at the Utah Forge site were excited by the results of a test last spring that injected water and got back two-thirds after it had been pushed through the heated layers. Not only was it successful, but they think they can get back much higher percentages in the future.