https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2024/09/13/geothermal-energy-could-outperform-nuclear-power Skip to content * Menu * Weekly edition * The world in brief * Search Log in * Opinion + Leaders + Letters to the editor + By Invitation + Current topics o US elections 2024 o War in Ukraine o Israel and Hamas o The World Ahead 2024 o Climate change o Coronavirus o The world economy o The Economist explains o Artificial intelligence * Current topics + US elections 2024 + War in Ukraine + Israel and Hamas + The World Ahead 2024 + Climate change + Coronavirus + The world economy + The Economist explains + Artificial intelligence * World + The world this week + China + United States + Europe + Britain + Middle East & Africa + Asia + The Americas + International + A-Z of international relations + A-Z of military terms + A-Z of US politics + US election poll tracker * In depth + Science & technology + Graphic detail + Special reports + Technology Quarterly + Briefing + Essay + Schools brief * Business & economics + Finance & economics + Business + Big Mac index + A-Z of economics + Economic & financial indicators * Culture & society + 1843 magazine + Culture + Obituary + The Economist reads + Christmas Specials * More + Podcasts + Newsletters + Films + The Economist app + SecureDrop + Subscriber events + Economist Education courses + Economist Enterprise * My Economist * Saved stories * Log out * Saved stories * Account * Log out Search [ ] Try AI-powered search Science & technology | Hot stuff Geothermal energy could outperform nuclear power Tricks from the oil industry have produced a hot-rocks breakthrough Geologists examine a wellhead at the site of FORGE outside of Milford, Utah, USAPhotograph: Brandon Thibodeaux/New York Times/Redux / Eyevine Sep 13th 2024 Share GEOTHERMAL ENERGY may be approaching its Mitchell moment. George Mitchell, a scrappy independent oilman, is known as the father of fracking. Nearly three decades ago, he defied Big Oil and the conventional wisdom of his industry by making practical the hitherto uneconomic technique of pumping liquids and sands into the ground to force out gas and oil from shale rock and other tight geological formations. The enormous increase in productivity that resulted, known as the shale revolution, has transformed the global hydrocarbon business. Share Reuse this content More from Science & technology [20240914_STP002] The world's first nuclear clock is on the horizon It would be 1000 times more accurate than today's atomic timekeepers [20240914_STD020] Baby formulas now share some ingredients with breast milk They may one day replicate its benefits --------------------------------------------------------------------- [20240914_STD001] Breast milk's benefits are not limited to babies Some of its myriad components are being tested as treatments for cancer and other diseases --------------------------------------------------------------------- Particles that damage satellites can be flushed out of orbit All it takes is very long radio waves A common food dye can make skin transparent The discovery allows scientists to see inside live animals Fewer babies are born in the months following hot days The effect is small but consistent --------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------- * Subscribe * Economist Enterprise * Reuse our content * Help and contact us Keep updated * * * * * * * * Published since September 1843 to take part in "a severe contest between intelligence, which presses forward, and an unworthy, timid ignorance obstructing our progress." The Economist * About * Advertise * Press centre * SecureDrop The Economist Group * The Economist Group * Economist Intelligence * Economist Impact * Economist Impact Events * Working here * Economist Education Courses * Executive Jobs To enhance your experience and ensure our website runs smoothly, we use cookies and similar technologies. Manage Cookies * Terms of Use * Privacy * Cookie Policy * Accessibility * Modern Slavery Statement * Sitemap * Your Data Rights Copyright (c) The Economist Newspaper Limited 2024. All rights reserved.