Presidio County, situated near the Rio Grande, is embarking on an exciting venture to explore its potential as a geothermal energy hub. In a recent meeting, the Presidio Municipal Development District (PMDD) authorized a contract with the University of Texas at Austin for a geothermal energy study. This six to eight-month study aims to determine if Presidio County is suitable for the establishment of a geothermal energy plant.
Geophysicist Ken Wisian introduced the idea at a meeting earlier this year, highlighting a report called “The Future of Geothermal in Texas: The Coming Century of Growth & Prosperity in the Lone Star State.” The report emphasized the immense heat energy beneath our feet, which is believed to be thousands of times more than what is needed to power not only Texas but the entire world.
Geothermal energy plants harness the Earth’s natural heat energy by extracting hot water from beneath the surface, which is then converted into steam to generate electricity. Unlike other renewable energy sources, geothermal plants are not dependent on external factors like sun and wind, making them reliable and resilient power providers. This characteristic is particularly appealing in Texas, where severe weather events have caused grid failures and left millions without essential services.
Presidio County is an ideal location for geothermal production, according to Wisian. The region, particularly near the river, exhibits favorable conditions for harnessing geothermal energy. While an exact location cannot be determined without a formal study, sources of hot water are likely to be found around 6.5 kilometers below the surface, similar to the depth of oil and gas wells.
The PMDD board approved a $15,000 budget for the study. If successful, the subsequent development of a geothermal energy project could cost between $10 and $30 million, depending on the drilling depth required. With Presidio County’s status as a low-income border county, it is a promising candidate for grant funding to support a local clean energy initiative.
As the study commences, PMDD members have collaborated with the University of Texas at Austin to draft a contract. The agreement ensures that financial exchanges will only occur upon completion of the study. Considering the positive results from prior research conducted by other universities, the board remains cautiously optimistic about the project’s potential.
With this geothermal energy study, Presidio County is not only exploring a sustainable energy alternative but also opening the doors to economic growth and environmental stewardship.
