Last modified: Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Indiana Geological Survey to play key role in search for renewable geothermal energy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 18, 2009
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- The Indiana Geological Survey, a research institute of Indiana University, is a member of a large, new U.S. Department of Energy project to assess the geothermal potential of most American states.
Also known as the IGS, the Survey is participating in a comprehensive nationwide inventory of geothermal data to help identify and assess new geothermal resources for potential development. The IGS, along with 40 other state geological surveys, has formed a coalition to populate a new National Geothermal Data System with relevant, state-specific geothermal data. Over the three-year life of the project, the Geothermal Data Consortium will receive $17.79 million from the DOE with the IGS receiving $300,000.
"This project will help us understand the geothermal potential in Indiana to an extent never possible before," said Indiana State Geologist and Indiana Geological Survey Director John Steinmetz. "It's exciting to be part of this national effort among so many other state geological surveys to address such a critical renewable energy need for the state and the country."
As a member of the Consortium, the Indiana Geological Survey will be collecting data from across Indiana that will aid government, academia and industry in the identification and development of geothermal energy, and integrating them into the National Geothermal Data System.
"Once these data are compiled for the entire nation, they will be integrated into a searchable, Web-based data system that can then be used to drive renewed efforts to identify, assess, and exploit geothermal energy resources across America." said principal investigator and IGS Center for Geospatial Data Analysis Director Shawn Naylor.
The Indiana Geological Survey is an applied research institution that provides objective and unbiased information about the mineral, energy, and water resources of the state. The IGS has served the people of Indiana since 1837. Established by Indiana statute in 1993 as an institution of Indiana University, the IGS is committed to providing timely and reliable earth science information through directed research, service, and education.
To speak with Steinmetz, please contact Deborah DeChurch, Indiana Geological Survey, at 812-855-1941 or ddechurc@indiana.edu, or David Bricker, University Communications, at 812-856-9035 or brickerd@indiana.edu.
