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The US start-up Zanskar has developed a system to detect geothermal energy sources using AI.
Artificial intelligence could help solve our energy problem by uncovering previously hidden geothermal energy sources. Because this type of energy promises a constant, sustainable and almost emission-free source of electricity.
But while some geothermal hotspots are easily visible on the surface through geysers or hot springs, others are hidden thousands of meters underground.
That’s why the US start-up Zanskar uses AI and other advanced calculation methodsto discover these so-called blind geothermal systems. The approach could open up new deposits in the future for which there are no signs on the surface.
AI finds hidden geothermal hotspots
Historically, the search for new geothermal energy sites has been a complex process, with companies investing a lot of time and money in deep drilling to find suitable locations for a power plant. Zanskar takes a more precise approach. The company’s AI models are initially trained on known hotspots and specially created simulations.
The team then feeds geological data, satellite data and fault line information into the models. Based on this, they can predict possible hotspots. According to Zanskar co-founder Carl Hoiland, the power of AI lies in its ability to handle the immense complexity of this information and learn complicated phenomena inside the Earth that are difficult for humans to understand.
First commercial success in 30 years
Zanskar announced that he had used AI to discover a blind geothermal system in the western Nevada desert. The company claims this is the first blind system in over 30 years to be identified and confirmed as a commercial potential site.
The reservoir, which the company calls the “Big Blind,” reaches a temperature of about 121 degrees Celsius. It is about 823 meters deep. Zanskar has already successfully used its technology in other exploration projects, including the revitalization of a geothermal power plant in New Mexico.
In addition, a discovery was made at a location that had previously been explored but not yet developed. According to co-founder and CTO Joel Edwards, the company is in the early stages of exploring a “wave” of new, naturally occurring geothermal systems that will provide enough heat for future power plants.
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As a Tech Industry expert, I believe that the use of AI to detect hidden energy sources in geothermal energy is a game-changer for the renewable energy sector. Geothermal energy has long been recognized as a clean and sustainable source of power, but its potential has often been limited by the difficulty of identifying and tapping into suitable geothermal resources.
By leveraging AI technology to analyze and interpret data from seismic surveys, drilling logs, and other sources, we can now more accurately and efficiently locate underground reservoirs of hot water and steam that can be harnessed for energy production. This not only expands the reach of geothermal energy as a viable alternative to fossil fuels, but also helps to reduce costs and increase overall efficiency in the development of geothermal projects.
Overall, the use of AI in detecting hidden energy sources in geothermal energy is a key advancement that has the potential to revolutionize the renewable energy landscape and accelerate the transition to a more sustainable future.
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