Geothermal energy is a sustainable resource harnessed from the Earth’s internal heat. Identifying suitable geothermal sites involves evaluating various geological and geographical factors to ensure optimal resource extraction and minimal environmental impact. This study focuses on mapping potential geothermal sites in the South and Southwestern states of the USA, particularly considering the presence of tribal lands. The initial phase involved identifying areas based on a few criteria: tribal lands, potential Geothermal Spots in these states, containing any depleted Oil wells or not, and containing brownfields or not. A scoring gradient was then applied to these possible geothermal spots. Geographic Information System (GIS) tools, specifically ArcGIS Online and Pro, were employed to generate a detailed suitability map. The analysis identified promising geothermal sites in the following states: Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Nevada, Mississippi, Arkansas and Oklahoma. These sites have the potential to contribute significantly to the region’s renewable energy portfolio while also addressing the considerations of tribal land use and rights.
Link to paper: https://doi.org/10.3390/su17062558
Authors
Chandramouli Munjurpet Sridharan