The Eavor Loop is a new type of geothermal energy project currently being piloted in Canada. It’s a scalable closed-loop system that could make it possible for us to generate consistent, unlimited electricity from the heat emanating from the Earth’s core. Experts are saying it could be a complete “game-changer” for clean energy.
You could think of the system as a giant radiator. It consists of two wells that are drilled around 2 miles deep (3.5 kilometers) and 3 miles apart (5 kilometers) with several connecting pipes between the two creating a loop. Within these pipes circulates a proprietary fluid that absorbs the Earth’s heat and uses it to make electricity.
This closed-loop design is what sets it apart from other geothermal projects. The unique system requires no fracking or water; it generates zero greenhouse gas emissions; it doesn’t run the risk of polluting nearby water sources; and unlike wind or solar power, it does not depend on external elements to generate electricity.
Eavor Technologies CEO and President John Redfern told CBC News:
It’s just a much more benign system and it’s something that you can implement across 80% of the world instead of 5% of the world like traditional geothermal. You can put it almost anywhere. It’s not like a windmill or solar panel … almost everything’s underground so you can literally put it in someone’s backyard.
Eavor Technologies has already begun construction of its $10 million testing facility with the project expected to conclude by the end of the year. Funding has come in part from government representatives with hopes that it will provide new jobs for regional oil and gas workers who may want to transition into the green energy sector.
Laura Kilcrease of Alberta Innovates (AI), a provincially-funded corporation that contributed $1 million to the project, said:
Projects like [this facility] advance new technologies and can create highly skilled jobs. They show how investing in innovation reduces GHG emissions while growing the economy. Projects like this are possible because of the experience and unique approaches in energy services, drilling and technology development that are found in Alberta.
The company plans to launch a dozen more commercial size facilities around the world once testing is finished with the pilot project. It’s estimated that one commercial facility will be able to generate around 4 megawatts of energy, according to Global News.
There is “enormous untapped potential” in geothermal energy for the generation of electricity and the Canadian company Eavor Technologies could help the world finally tap into that potential with this first-of-its-kind geothermal system in Alberta. It could allow the world to make use of the energy right beneath our feet — while causing minimal damage to the environment.
