Two Geothermal Projects Halted
New energy technology is always subject to challenges, but the suspension of these two projects is disappointing.
According to the New York Times link
"...AltaRock immediately ran into snags with its drilling, repeatedly snapping off bits in shallow formations called caprock. The project’s safety was also under review at the Energy Department after federal officials said the company had not been entirely forthcoming about the earthquakes produced in Basel in making the case for the Geysers project."
Just the day before, the Swiss halted their project due to the drilling triggering small earthquakes. link
Here's the part that caught my eye: "The project designer and geologist, Markus Haering, has been charged with property damage and will have to stand trial in a Basel court next week. He could be sentenced to up to five years in prison."
I can see it now, he's sitting in the jailhouse yard, and a fellow inmate asks, "Wadda in fer?"
"Uh....well.....", looking around to see who is listening, "I made earthquakes."