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Politics : Stockman Scott's Political Debate Porch

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To: T L Comiskey who wrote (83276)	9/20/2010 11:14:14 PM
From: tejek	Read Replies (1) of 89467

Snohomish PUD hopes a new energy source is a mile below the earth by Jake Whittenberg Bio KING5.com Posted on September 20, 2010 at 3:13 PM Updated today at 6:05 PM SKYKOMISH, Wash. - Snohomish Public Utility District has nearly completed drilling at five locations in the Cascade Mountains, each probing the Earth for pockets of geothermal energy. The PUD is looking to add the clean, renewable energy source to its portfolio which includes wind and tidal energy sources. "We are taking temperature readings about 700 feet below the Earth's surface," says Craig Collar, PUD Senior Manager of energy Resource Development. One of the locations currently active is just east of Skykomish near the Beckler Quarry off Highway 2. Each of the five drill sites will indicate whether there's enough hot water below the surface to warrant more drilling. Geothermal power is created when steam, heat or hot water from underground reservoirs is used to spin turbine generators. The hope is that geothermal electricity could potentially provide power for up to 35,000 homes in Snohomish County by 2020. "If we determine this is an area that would be good enough for geothermal energy production, then we drill at one permanent location." says Collar. That final well would require drilling about a mile deep to harness the energy. A special power plant would also need tobe built. The PUD will spend $250,000 to dig the wells, Collar says. A large portion of that cost could be covered by funds from the U.S. Department of Energy. The upfront cost of drilling and beginning production is no small investment. Collar estimates it will be around $50 million in drilling and construction costs before an geothermal energy can go into the grid. "The sustainability and reliability of geothermal energy would outweigh the initial costs." Collar says. king5.com

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