Geothermal development in the Mexico-U.S. border could turn Presidio, Texas into a hub of clean energy

Researchers have identified a significant source of geothermal energy under the U.S.-Mexico border along the Rio Grande, presenting a promising opportunity for clean energy development in the Presidio County, one of the poorest counties in the country.

The Bureau of Economic Geology at the University of Texas at Austin conducted a months-long study revealing that Presidio County in Texas, which borders Mexico, has favorable conditions for geothermal energy development.

As, Ken Wisian, head of the research team, explained to KTLA in Los Angeles: "there's a thin, 10- to 15-mile-wide region that runs parallel or along the Rio Grande that has very high heat by at least by most standards, and even in the interior part of the county, which is probably two-thirds of the county."

Geothermal energy is a clean, renewable resource energy source that is produced deep in Earth's core and can be used to create heat and electricity, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Although the U.S. is the world's largest producer of geothermal electricity, this energy source currently accounts for less than half a percent of the total grid. The discovery in Presidio County is particularly significant given its potential to boost local clean energy production. County officials are optimistic about the prospects of a geothermal energy plant, which could create jobs and reduce energy costs for local communities.

Wisian noted that geothermal energy could generate more electricity than needed locally, allowing the county to sell excess power back to the grid or attract new businesses.

Despite its proximity to the border, Wisian does not foresee any security issues arising from geothermal energy development, as the drilling footprint is minimal and can be contained within Texas. Furthermore, the success of a geothermal plant in Presidio could encourage Mexico to develop its own geothermal resources, leveraging similar underground heat on its side of the border.