The exploitation of ocean geothermal energy, a major advance proposed by the Compagnie Générale de Géophysique-Veritas (CGG), promises to revolutionize our approach to energy production. By using the natural movement of tectonic plates, this innovative method not only provides an inexhaustible source of electricity; it also paves the way for the capture of hydrogen and ammonia, key elements for renewable and sustainable energy.
Ocean geothermal energy presents itself as a promising alternative to the limits of solar and wind energy, the production of which is intermittent and dependent on climatic conditions. Unlike the latter, geothermal energy guarantees a stable and continuous power supply, capable of meeting the world’s energy needs without interruption.
The construction of deep-sea geothermal infrastructure, less expensive than solar or wind installations, represents a viable economic solution. The main obstacle lies in identifying optimal marine sites, a complex task but made easier by the potential of the seabed, where extraction is greatly simplified.
The areas targeted for the installation of these power plants are those where tectonic activity is intense, favoring the creation of new earth crust. This approach would exploit up to 65,000 square kilometers of underwater terrain suitable for electricity and hydrogen production, offering conditions similar to those in Iceland but with much greater accessibility and capacity.
To overcome the challenge of the distance separating these areas from the power grid, advanced drilling technology, developed by an MIT-affiliated start-up, could reach previously inaccessible depths, making it possible to exploit the energy resources of the ocean depths .
This innovative process would not be limited to electricity production; it would also allow the recovery of fresh water and the production of hydrogen and ammonia, thus contributing to the diversification of renewable energy sources.
Although environmental studies are needed to assess the impact of such operations, CGG estimates that this method could supply the world with electricity for 20 million years, using only a tiny fraction of the Earth’s heat.
Ultimately, ocean geothermal exploitation not only represents a renewable energy source; it also promises to deliver a global supply of green hydrogen, offering a sustainable alternative for the transport sector and beyond.