SMU Geothermal Lab

The SMU Geothermal Lab was established in 1970 by Dr. David Blackwell. We are an active research facility, with a variety of ongoing geothermal resource projects. Our faculty, staff, and students strive to broaden the understanding and use of geothermal energy, from the simplest form - geothermal heat pumps for buildings, to the large-scale deployment of geothermal power plants providing energy for our cities. Our research also explores opportunities to integrate renewable geothermal projects in an oil & gas setting.

 
Our expertise includes:

• Academic research by faculty, staff, and students
• Geothermal Maps such as the Geothermal Map of North America
• Projects, such as the National Geothermal Data System, the Enhanced Geothermal Potential of the Cascades, the Geothermal Synthesis of Dixie Valley, Nevada
• Current research on temperature logs for climate change, the stability of methane hydrates along continental shelves, co-production and distributed geothermal generation
• Well logging with high precision Temperature-Depth measurements
• Sample analysis of Thermal Conductivity measurement for commercial clients

The Lab assists the public through:

•  Our Power Plays conference, Geothermal Energy in Oil and Gas Fields
•  K-12 classroom materials
•  A monthly newsletter on the geothermal, oil/gas, and energy industries
•  Research and travel updates on our blog
• Publications and papers for those interested in learning more