This talk will bring the public's attention to geothermal energy as a neglected source of renewable energy, yet a perfect complementary solution to wind and solar energy for transitioning the global energy system away from fossil fuels. The talk will cover the externalities and deficiencies associated with the conventional approach to the Energy Transition (Wind + Solar + Storage), along with a brief description of geothermal energy, why it addresses the externalities and deficiencies with the conventional approach outlined prior, and how Quaise Energy is developing a novel technology gto provide access to geothermal energy, anywhere. The idea is to motivate a "Manhattan Project" like approach where the public and private sectors join forces to solve an enormous technical challenge (universal access to baseload renewable power), unlocking the enormous potential of geothermal energy as a climate solution. Matt Houde is a Cofounder at Quaise Energy and project manager for the $5M grant that Quaise, Inc., received from the Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) to develop a new drilling technology that could allow the world to access the supercritical geothermal heat that is miles beneath our feet. Existing technologies cannot reach those depths.

Matt, who coordinated the writing of the successful ARPA-E grant, received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, in geological engineering. He went on to earn a master’s degree from Stanford University in civil and environmental engineering. While at Stanford, Matt was an intern for Ormat Technologies, one of the largest geothermal companies in the world.

Matt, who lives in Knoxville, TN, is passionate about developing solutions to climate change. To that end, he applauds renewable energy sources like wind and solar. But, “we need a more reliable renewable energy source that uses much less land. Supercritical geothermal fits that spot like a glove." This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx