Heated Competition

Student research teams from universities around the country are visiting eastern Idaho this summer to study the geothermal energy potential of the Snake River Plain as part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s 2012 National Geothermal Student Competition. 

In May, eight university teams were selected as finalists in the competition, including all three of Idaho’s public research institutions – Boise State University, Idaho State University and University of Idaho. The competition challenges teams to conduct cutting-edge research in geology, geoscience, chemical and biomolecular energy, and engineering that could lead to breakthroughs in geothermal energy development. Finalists were selected by a panel of judges and receive $10,000 each to help defray the cost of equipment, travel and other expenses. 

On Monday, the student teams will meet in person and via webinar with a team of geothermal experts who have extensive knowledge of the Snake River Plain, including researchers from Idaho National Laboratory (INL), academia, state and federal agencies and industry representatives.