Project InnerSpace has announced the launch of GeoMapTM North America, a first of its kind geothermal exploration tool developed in partnership with Google, focused on expanding the use and adoption of clean geothermal energy worldwide. GeoMapTM North America includes surface and subsurface data for Canada, Mexico, and the United States in this latest launch, with in-depth data for the United States based on over a million data points.
The collaboration between Project InnerSpace and Google on GeoMapTM unites the subsurface expertise and R&D portfolio of InnerSpace, a non-profit organization focused on removing barriers to the growth and development of geothermal energy globally, and the data and software capabilities of Google, a global technology leader working to operate its data centers and office campuses on 24/7 carbon-free energy by 2030, and to accelerate the decarbonization of global energy systems. Behind this collaboration is a research portfolio of more than 80 researchers working on behalf of Project InnerSpace, along with Google engineers.
As North America looks to both expand its production of reliable electricity and heat while also reducing pollution, next-generation geothermal can play a key role. Using GeoMapTM North America, users can identify promising and overlooked geothermal opportunities, particularly beyond regions with known and proven geothermal resources. The novel approach that GeoMapTM utilizes to incorporate and cross reference dozens of surface and subsurface datasets into one analysis has resulted in some exciting outcomes that bode well for the future of geothermal energy. Importantly, the GeoMapTM North America dataset demonstrates that the United States has much more next generation geothermal potential than previously thought, in States that have not before been considered viable candidates for geothermal development.
With this new release, more than 80 additional layers of surface and subsurface data were added to GeoMapTM, bringing the total layers to over 150. These new layers include data relevant for exploring for natural hydrogen and lithium within geothermal systems, adding prospecting for hybrid geothermal projects to the GeoMapTM toolbox. With the newly launched Site Comparison Tool,' stakeholders can explore which of their industrial facilities are prime candidates for conversion to geothermal heat, or which military bases have the best geothermal resources. GeoMapTM can also help policymakers identify which retiring coal power plants are located in areas with significant geothermal potential, providing valuable insights to inform the future of traditional energy communities and assets.
GeoMapTM originally debuted at the 28th Conference of the Parties last November in Dubai, with the release of its African data module. Later this year, InnerSpace will release GeoMapTM modules for India and Indonesia, followed by Brazil in early 2025. Additional continents and high resolution case studies will be released on the GeoMapTM tool over the next 12-24 months, with the goal of inclusion of all continents and the world's top 100 population centers within 36 months.
"Looking to a future that is increasingly dependent on energy intensive technologies like artificial intelligence, the world needs fast, clean, and ubiquitous solutions for heating, cooling, and electricity" said Jamie Beard, Executive Director at Project InnerSpace. "GeoMap North America shows us that the opportunity in next generation geothermal is not limited to States with volcanic activity. This massive resource can also be a game-changer in States like Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, West Virginia, and beyond."
"We're excited about geothermal's potential to accelerate the global transition to fully carbon-free electricity systems by providing clean power around the clock," said Savannah Goodman, Data and Software Climate Solutions Lead, Google. "North America is particularly promising for geothermal development, and GeoMap North America will help enable geothermal projects that can meet the region's growing demand for clean electricity."
GeoMapTM Beta is freely available to the public, and can be accessed at www.projectinnerspace.org.
About Project InnerSpace:
Project InnerSpace is the leading independent non-profit organization dedicated to the global development of geothermal energy. Our mission is to remove the barriers to the exponential growth and development of geothermal energy worldwide by 2030. To learn more about Project InnerSpace please visit www.projectinnerspace.org.
