Going Deep with Geothermal | Ep11: Dr Lior Suchoy

In this episode of the Energy Futures Podcast, host Jonny Prest speaks with Dr. Lior Suchoy, a Geoscientist, Scientific Consultant, and Postdoctoral Research Associate at Imperial College London. Together, they delve into the fascinating world of geothermal energy, exploring its potential as a sustainable energy source and its role in achieving a Net Zero future.

Dr. Suchoy explains the fundamentals of geothermal energy, enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), and the challenges and opportunities in utilising this largely untapped resource. They discuss the similarities between geothermal and traditional oil and gas exploration, the use of mine water for heating, and innovative ways to integrate geothermal energy into the UK's energy mix.

The conversation also highlights the transition of skills from the oil and gas sector to geothermal energy and the need for investment and research to overcome barriers to adoption. Dr. Suchoy shares his journey from geodynamics research to becoming a passionate advocate for geothermal energy, offering insights for anyone interested in the future of renewable energy.

Chapters and Time Codes

00:00:00 – Introduction: Welcome to the Energy Futures Podcast

00:00:31 – Guest Introduction: Dr. Lior Suchoy

00:01:03 – Exploring Geothermal Energy: Basics and Global Potential

00:03:40 – Traditional Geothermal Energy: Extraction Methods and Applications

00:06:19 – Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS): Breaking Rocks to Generate Energy

00:10:14 – Geothermal in the UK: From Bath Springs to Mine Water Heating

00:15:06 – Transitioning Skills from Oil and Gas: Opportunities for Industry Talent

00:18:34 – Challenges of Geothermal Energy: Costs, Risks, and Public Perception

00:25:12 – Geothermal and the Energy Mix: Providing Baseline Energy for Net Zero

00:32:02 – Long-Term Sustainability of Geothermal Reservoirs: Future Innovations

00:36:11 – Enhanced Applications: Heat Storage, CO₂ Sequestration, and More

00:41:06 – Barriers to Adoption: Research, Investment, and Infrastructure

00:44:03 – Lior’s Journey: From Tectonics to Geothermal Energy

00:47:18 – Future of Geothermal: A Call to Action for Research and Advocacy

00:50:00 – Closing Remarks: How to Connect with Dr. Suchoy

Additional Links

• Dr. Lior Suchoy’s LinkedIn Imperial
• Simulation of Enhanced Geothermal Systems Using Dynamic Unstructured Mesh Optimisation- Paper
• Geothermal technology could help decarbonise the UK's heating and cooling- Article
• Energy Futures Lab Website

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