ENVITRACE LLC — Department of Energy SBIR Phase II: C54-07c

Description

Geothermal is a critical, yet underutilized, resource for our nation’s climate and energy goals. Geothermal, like other new technologies whose socioeconomic impacts are not fully understood, may cause disproportionately high adverse effects on disadvantaged communities. This is especially true if the process does not fully account for their socioeconomic and cultural interests and concerns. Unfortunately, many energy initiatives still adhere to a top-down and expert-driven process of site selection and design without awareness and acknowledgment of public engagement needs leading to costly delays, including lawsuits, less than desired or lacking outcomes, and missed opportunities. Our primary goal is to remove the socioeconomic and technological barriers associated with geothermal exploration and utilization. We will address challenges associated with geothermal exploration and utilization by developing GeoTGo: commercial software and services using AI/ML methods and tools. GeoTGo is designed to be equitable and inclusive for community geothermal development. It will support the engagement of underprivileged communities and the development of their workforce and businesses. We successfully completed a proof of concept prototype software that includes an interactive dashboard and is available for review and comment at GeoTGo.com. We also developed an extensive and collaborative Community Engagement Plan (CEP) with the assistance of our tribal liaisons from the Navajo Nation and Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo. In addition, we developed plans for the implementation and evaluation of the CEP. We met with community members and leaders and collected information about their socioeconomic and cultural challenges and how geothermal can address their needs. We developed AI/ML methods and tools to address existing unresolved socioeconomic and engineering geothermal challenges. Using AI/ML, GeoTGo merges data, models, expertise, and experience. GeoTGo also provides fast processing and dissemination of the information to customers. Our technology continuously engages communities and reevaluates their needs. Our work supports local workforce and business development in geothermal and AI/ML. We will further develop our commercial software based on community and customer needs. We will reduce socioeconomic and technical barriers to geothermal utilization by developing efficient, equitable, and engaging AI software. Our target customers are communities and industry. Communities will not need to start at ground zero each time they wish to improve the lives of their members if comprehensive and fail-safe tools that include data knowledge, experience, and research are embedded early in the process. The introduction of low-cost renewable energy solutions to these communities will have significant climate and economic benefits. Our work will provide fast processing and dissemination of geothermal information to users and communities. Acknowledging the Justice40 Initiative, we will aim for 40% of wages to be dedicated to members of unprivileged communities. Our products and services will increase opportunities for small businesses to enter the geothermal market. By providing access to AI/ML methods, GeoTGo levels the playing field for underprivileged businesses.