A clean energy source is buried under the desert, but it takes water to use it

The push to develop geothermal energy in the desert Southwest is gaining momentum, driven in part by the growing demand for power from data centers. However, as geothermal companies look to tap into this clean energy source, they're facing a significant challenge: the need for large amounts of water to operate. This tradeoff is particularly relevant in water-scarce regions like the desert Southwest, where concerns about water usage are already high.

Geothermal energy has the potential to play a significant role in the transition to a low-carbon economy, particularly in regions with abundant geothermal resources like the Western United States. However, the water requirements for geothermal operations are substantial, and this could limit the industry's growth in areas where water is already scarce. As the data center buildout continues to accelerate in Western states, the demand for reliable and renewable energy sources like geothermal will only continue to grow.

What's next to watch is how geothermal companies and policymakers navigate this tradeoff between clean energy and water usage. Will innovations in water management or new technologies emerge to reduce the water footprint of geothermal operations? And how will regulators balance the need for clean energy with concerns about water scarcity in the desert Southwest? As the energy landscape continues to evolve, one thing is clear: finding sustainable solutions to these challenges will be crucial to unlocking the full potential of geothermal energy.

Originally reported by grist.org. EnergyNews adds analysis for climate & energy readers.