Google Inc announced today they will invest $10 million in enhanced geothermal systems. The systems, known as EGS, allow engineers to drill their own geothermal outlets and pump in water to create steam to power a turbine.
The idea is to find "hot rocks" relatively close to the surface. This approach has the advantage of being both cheap, and opens up land resources outside traditional geothermal areas.
Google will invest primarily in AltaRock Energy Inc, an EGS company located in California. Google will also invest in Potter Drilling Inc, a Californian company which develops hard rock drilling technology.
Google have previously invested in other green energy initiatives, including nanosolar and wind power.
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