Geothermal energy showcased in Austin, potential powerhouse for Texas’ grid

AUSTIN (Nexstar) — A historic area on South Congress unveiled a geothermal HVAC system on Wednesday morning. 

Penn Field hosts businesses like Google Fiber and Pandora alongside a former World War 2 airfield. Now, the property is revamping its energy sources by using Earth’s internal heat to power heating and cooling systems in commercial buildings. 

“Geothermal is unique because it's clean, it's abundant, essentially, limitless, and available everywhere,” Silviu Livescu, cofounder of Bedrock Energy, who installed the system.

Geothermal heat pumps use water and the constant temperature below ground to absorb or release heat from the air, depending on the season. 

Pumps can reduce energy consumption and emissions up to 72% compared to standard air-conditioning equipment, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. 

Geothermal systems could potentially be the green energy compromise Texas is looking for, according to legislators and businesses alike.

“We're taking the old and bringing in the new,” said state Rep. Lulu Flores (D-Austin), who attended Penn Field’s launch event. “It's also helping workers to transition from an old industry, or an existing industry, into a new industry.”

Flores emphasized a need for “risk assessment,” but said she’s hopeful that geothermal energy will help provide a “continuum” of resources. 

“I remember when the wind farms were first coming on,” Flores said. “Here we are 30 years later, and it's booming, and it's growing.” 

“As a legislator, I'm excited to learn more, and looking for ways that we can help incentivize these kinds of programs so that they can succeed.”

Lt. Governor Dan Patrick named “Innovative Power Generation” on his list of 57 legislative priorities released last week.  Patrick urged state senators to “explore emerging technologies with the potential to add new dispatchable power to our electric grid.” 

Patrick mentioned geothermal resources as a possible solution, along with small nuclear reactors, advanced batteries and hydrogen technology. 

The DOE announced a plan earlier this month to decarbonize the building sector by 90% before 2050. Livescu said commercial buildings are a core aspect of the government’s initiative. 

“Our vision is literally to expand it to all the large buildings in Texas,” the cofounder said.