Geosciences Colloquium Presents Christopher Liner on Energy Transition and Geothermal Power

Photo Submitted

Christopher Liner, associate dean of Fulbright College and Maurice F. Storm Endowed Chair in the Department of Geosciences, will present the third annual Storm Lecture on Energy and Society at 3:05 p.m. Friday, April 5, in Gearhart Hall lecture hall 026.

The talk will also be presented on Zoom. 
Meeting ID: 741 509 8499
Passcode: r.18MY4^

This year's talk will focus on Energy Transition and Geothermal Power, which Liner said will delve into the topics below.

"Accounting for 90% of the state's electrical energy mix, these finite energy sources will subject power plants to fuel scarcity and price uncertainty over the coming decades. Arkansas law does not address geothermal power, and there is the need for development of enabling legislation to support utility-scale geothermal energy.

"Arkansas stands at a pivotal moment in its energy history, heavily reliant on non-renewable sources of coal, natural gas and a nearly half century-old nuclear plant fueled by uranium.

"As an imperative response to finite nonrenewable sources, geothermal power emerges as a transformative solution. Geothermal power represents a paradigm shift, providing a stable, renewable energy source with no fuel cost. The benefits are multifaceted, including continuous 24/7 carbon-free energy that delivers baseload and dispatchable power generation and the potential to replace existing power plants.

"Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) and binary-cycle power plants are pivotal to harnessing geothermal energy effectively. EGS, involving the creation or enhancement of fractures in rocks, unlocks vast geothermal reserves. Binary power plants, particularly significant in regions like Arkansas with lower temperature geothermal resources, play a critical role in converting geothermal heat into electricity.

"Several EGS policy issues require careful consideration, including subsurface heat ownership; if royalties apply to land, water or mineral owners; and the applicability of the Arkansas brine royalty law," Liner said.

"For those in town, please join us for a social hour immediately following colloquium," he added. "Snacks and beverages will be provided, circumstances permitting, along with the opportunity to meet and greet geosciences friends and talk science."