In another move toward a cleaner energy future, Chesapeake is partnering in an innovative new study to evaluate the potential of geothermal energy with a Department of Defense (DoD) installation.
Chesapeake is teaming up with Eavor, a leading geothermal technology-based energy company, to conduct the feasibility study at Joint Base San Antonio.
The partnership is a result of the work of Chesapeake’s New Energy Ventures (NEV) team, which was recently formed to evaluate new technologies and alternative energy solutions to support the company’s efforts to meet its net zero goal.
“The generation of geothermal energy has the potential to provide a way for Chesapeake to offset our emissions,” said NEV Senior Staff Geologist Ryan Sonntag. “This opportunity is a great way to work with Eavor and test their technologies and approach, which could ultimately yield both environmental attributes and an additional revenue stream for Chesapeake sometime down the road.”
Geothermal energy uses the Earth’s natural heat reservoirs and inherently ensures round-the-clock power availability. Eavor’s advanced geothermal system extracts thermal energy via conduction in a closed-loop system called the Eavor-Loop™.
This geothermal facility, if successful, would be the first of its kind to deliver 24/7/365 resilient, clean energy for direct consumption on a Department of Defense installation.
“The Department of Defense has emission reduction goals like we do,” said NEV Land Advisor Clay Shamblin. “They’re trying to use less carbon intense energy, but their primary goal is resilience, to disconnect from the grid, and provide 24/7 power they can control. Next generation geothermal has the potential to enable that.”
The Department of Defense will provide funding for Eavor and Chesapeake to conduct the feasibility study. Eavor will lead the project using its technological expertise, and Chesapeake will support Eavor by providing the company’s technical and operating expertise.
Chesapeake’s NEV team will be supporting the project by forming an internal project team with advisors in Regulatory, Land, Geology, Engineering, Supply Chain and more.
The study is a multi-phased approach with the initial phase expected to be complete by the end of 2025 and commercial operations targeted in three to five years.
“Phase one includes a site feasibility study to determine whether the surface and subsurface at Joint Base San Antonio can support operations and provide enough heat for a successful test. We would use those inputs to build a techo-economic model, helping us understand the economics around electricity demand, supply of power a well or group of wells would provide and the needed prices to support commercial operation,” Clay said.
If proven successful, the geothermal energy solution could lead to more opportunities with Department of Defense installations and the potential for standardization across the country.
“We’re really excited to be partnering with Eavor on this opportunity. It’s part of our strategy to align ourselves with leading NextGen Geothermal companies, and Eavor is at the forefront,” Ryan said. “This opportunity aligns perfectly with our teams’ objectives: to advance NextGen Geothermal with a committed off-taker, like the DoD, at no cost, or very little cost, to CHK. This has the potential for a significant impact for all parties involved.”
Read the press release to learn more.
