Looking At Geothermal Energy Through An International Lens
Amanda Kolker. Photo by Amy Griffin, NREL
From Iceland to Alaska to France, NREL geoscientist Amanda Kolker has studied geothermal energy all around the world. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in geology, Kolker went to study volcano and glacier interactions in Iceland but was quickly distracted by Iceland’s vast geothermal energy systems.
As an earth scientist, climate change has been on Kolker’s radar for most of her life, so studying geothermal energy was the perfect combination of her interest in earth science and passion for tackling climate change. Now at NREL, Kolker has brought her global perspective to help improve our understanding of geothermal resources and expand our utilization of those resources such as for heating and cooling.
Bringing Lessons Learned to NREL
After her travels, Kolker came to NREL to continue combining her passions for geothermal energy and tackling climate change. Kolker has worked on a variety of projects ranging from resource assessments to techno-economic analysis of geothermal district heating systems.
Now, Kolker is working on an exciting new international project, working with partners in Iceland and four other European countries to explore “supercritical” energy resources and systems and apply lessons learned to demonstration sites in Iceland and Oregon. Because supercritical resources may be able to produce 10 times the amount of energy from one well as a typical geothermal plant, it would be extremely beneficial to tap into these resources.
Looking Beyond Iceland
Kolker dedicated the next phase of her career to exploring for geothermal resources, earning a Ph.D. from the University of Alaska. There, she helped develop the lowest-temperature geothermal resource in the world for a combined heat and power microgrid in Alaska.
That system uses one resource to generate electricity, heat greenhouses and log cabins, and cool an ice museum. Her Ph.D. research and subsequent consulting work focused on looking at replicating that approach at other geothermal systems near remote communities in Alaska with high costs of power, high costs of heat, and low energy resilience.
Many years later, Kolker moved to France and witnessed how lower temperature geothermal resources were used for agriculture, industry, and to heat and cool districts. Many European and Asian countries use shared heating and cooling systems; studying these French systems helped Kolker bring key lessons back to the United States.
“If we want to better utilize the vast potential of geothermal energy in the United States, we need a bit of a paradigm shift,” Kolker said. “Renewable heating and cooling technologies should be given the same degree of attention as renewable electricity technologies, as heating and cooling accounts for up to 40% of U.S. energy demand. That demand is still mostly met by combustion of fossil fuels, producing temperatures well above what is typically needed.”
Amanda Kolker while traveling in Akutan, Alaska. Photo courtesy of Amanda Kolker, NREL
Leveraging Industry Partnerships
Assessing characterization and use of earth’s subsurface resources, she is keeping an eye on the relationship between the fossil fuel and geothermal sectors, as oil and gas companies have useful subsurface data that the geothermal energy sector needs.
She has seen how government involvement in countries like Japan, France, and Iceland have pushed geothermal heat and power projects through to development, and Kolker is excited to see how DOE will continue to help push geothermal energy research to take off even more.
From her global travels, Kolker has been inspired by several things, including:
- Collaborations among subsurface industries
- Governments taking on risks
- Focusing heavily on heating and cooling
- Geothermal Combined heat-and-power (CHP) microgrids for energy resilience.
Notably, Kolker was highlighted in DOE’s Women in Energy series and recently published 2021 U.S. Geothermal Power Production and District Heating Market Report, along with her co-authors.
Learn more about her colleagues and NREL’s geothermal research.
Article courtesy of National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
Featured photo by Matt Palmer on Unsplash.
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Jeep’s first global luxury electric SUV will arrive at US dealerships any day. Despite its $72,000 price tag, lease prices for the 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S EV start at just $599 per month.
2024 Jeep Wagoneer S EV lease prices
After unveiling its first global electric SUV, Jeep’s CEO said the Wagoneer S “marks a new chapter” in its storied history.
Jeep claims the Wagoneer S packs “exhilarating performance.” With 600 hp and 617 lb-ft of torque, the big-body SUV can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. Its 100 kWh battery pack also gives it a driving range of over 300 miles.
The electric SUV is unmistakably still a Jeep, but it did get several upgrades to distinguish it as an EV. The grille is now enclosed without the need to cool a massive engine, giving it a sporty, more modern look.
Jeep revamped its design with a new illuminated seven-slot grille with ambient cast lightning. It also fine-tuned its profile, adding flush door handles, a rear wing, and integrated fins for better airflow.
The first Jeep Wagoneer S Launch Edition models get exclusive dark accent design elements like 20″ Gloss Black Wheels.
Inside, the electric SUV is loaded with the latest tech and connectivity, including a best-in-class 45″ of usable screen space. The setup includes a 12.3″ center screen and an exclusive 10.25″ interactive front passenger screen.
Jeep already announced that the 2024 Wagoneer S EV will start at $71,995, but now the company has revealed lease prices for the first time.
According to Jeep, the 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S Launch Edition can be leased for $599 per month for 36 months (10,000 miles per year). The deal includes $4,999 due at signing and a $7,500 EV incentive. However, you may want to act fast, as Jeep’s offer is only good until December 2, 2024.
| Jeep Wagoneer S vs Tesla Model Y | Starting Price | Range | Lease Price |
| Jeep Wagoneer S Launch Edition | $71,995 | +300 miles | $599/mo |
| Tesla Model Y RWD | $44,990 | 320 miles | $299/mo |
| Tesla Model Y AWD | $47,990 | 308 miles | $399/mo |
| Tesla Model Y AWD Performance | $51,490 | 279 miles | $599/mo |
In comparison, Tesla Model Y RWD lease prices start at $299 for 36 months with $2,999 down (10,000 miles). The Performance AWD model starts at $599 per month. In an end-of-year promo, Tesla also offers 3 months of free Supercharging and Full Self-Driving.
Ready to drive off in your new electric SUV? We can help you get started. You can use our links below to view offers on the Jeep Wagoneer S and Tesla Model Y at a dealer near you.
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Caltrain, the 160-year-old San Francisco to San Jose rail corridor, has ditched diesel and is now fully electric.
This makes Caltrain’s zero-emission service from San Francisco to San Jose the first diesel-to-electric transition in North America in a generation. To celebrate, Caltrain is offering free rides this weekend on its new half-hourly weekend service, and it’s hosting events at every city along the corridor.
The new electric service is also faster and more frequent. During peak hours, trains will run every 15 to 20 minutes at 16 stations along the corridor. Express service from San Francisco to San Jose will take less than an hour, and weekend service will be twice as frequent as before.
Each trainset will have seven cars instead of the previous five to six. The new electric trains accelerate and decelerate faster than the diesel fleet, allowing more frequent stops in the same amount of time.
The trains were built by Stadler US at their facility in Salt Lake City, Utah. After they were assembled, they were sent to a test facility in Pueblo, Colorado. where they were tested at high speeds under numerous conditions as required by the Federal Railroad Administration.
The new electric trains are not just better for the environment; they’re also a big upgrade for passengers. Riders can now enjoy perks such as free wifi, more seat power outlets, and expanded under-seat storage. Plus, the ride is much quieter.
Serving the region since 1863, Caltrain is the oldest continually operating rail system west of the Mississippi. The Electrification Project is fully funded by federal, state, and local partners.
Read more: ‘UK-first’ intercity battery trial train outperforms diesel
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