Google-Backed Startup Struggling to Tap Geysers
Only 800 feet of progress made so far in AltaRock's quest to produce geothermal energy
By JACKSON WEST
Updated 5:15 PM EDT, Thu, Aug 20, 2009
AltaRock Energy's well-funded venture to tap into geothermal energy more than two miles below the surface has run aground with delays caused by broken drill bits.
The company is drilling into a the Geysers near Shasta County, but has only reached a depth of 4,000 feet, only 800 feet deeper than the hole already there.
The project, funded with over $36 million from Google, venture capital firms and the federal government has proven controversial because of its similarity to an attempt in Basel, Switzerland that generated earthquakes.
The project promises is inexpensive, renewable electricity, and involves fracturing rocks under the earth's crust and running water into the hot mess to create steam and drive a turbine.
The company claims that any earthquakes would be negligible, but that hasn't stopped the Energy Department from investigating the claim.
Photo by Andrew Madden.
Jackson West has a bad feeling this won't end well.
Copyright NBC Local Media
First Published: Aug 20, 2009 3:04 PM EDT on NBC Bay Area
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