U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable EnergyGeothermal Technologies Program – GeoPowering the WestTexas Working Group The SMU Geothermal Lab has a grant from the Texas State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) for geothermal outreach and networking, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Energy GeoPowering the West program. The goal of this program is to increase geothermal awareness among Texas citizens and development of additional geothermal projects in Texas. One new geothermal project being developed is geothermal energy generation from oil and gas waste fluids. The two primary organizers for the Texas Geothermal Working Group are: Dr. David Blackwell and Maria Richards. David Blackwell has researched geothermal resources for almost 40 years, with specializations in temperature measurements; development of basin modeling and fluid flow patterns. Maria Richards coordinates the SMU Geothermal Lab, responding to requests for information and questions, and researches related projects. We also work with Dr. Richard Erdlac at UTPB Center for Energy and Economic Development, who is focusing on West Texas projects. The first Texas Geothermal Working Group Meeting was held on November 7, 2005. Over 70 people attended, representing all aspects of geothermal from ground source heat pumps (geoexchange systems) to geothermal energy producers. The meeting summary is available online. More InformationDavid BlackwellSouthern Methodist University |