Startup taps underwater volcano as energy source in "proof point" test
Can undersea geothermal power help Pacific Rim nations cut down on oil imports?
Endurance Energy, a Seattle-based startup, has successfully demonstrated a subsea geothermal power plant near an active underwater volcano, marking a proof point test in the world's first of its kind. The 3-ton prototype power plant was deployed at the Axial Seamount, located almost a mile below the ocean surface in the northeast Pacific Ocean, during a three-week test deployment in September.
The demonstration generated less than 10 seconds of net-positive electricity, but it showcased the technical feasibility of using another form of renewable energy underwater. Endurance Energy aims to commercialize subsea geothermal power for Pacific island nations and other customers seeking alternatives to importing expensive fossil fuels.
According to Andrew Redd, the founder and CEO of Endurance Energy, the deep ocean provides unlimited cold seawater for cooling, and its weight helps maintain system and well pressure, allowing for compact plant designs.
Written by urgent.news from Ars Technica's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
