Cornell University
IN-50: Innovation D

Beginning in June 2022, Cornell began drilling a 2-mile borehole to determine the feasibility of the proposed plan to use Earth Source Heat to heat the Ithaca Campus and reduce the campus’ carbon emissions to zero by 2035. Funded by a $7.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, researchers measured rock properties, identified natural fractures, and stress conditions, and collected rock samples and rock cores while drilling. To ensure environmental conditions were not disturbed, monitoring sites and systems were also built throughout Ithaca, including water-monitoring wells, seismometers and early alert warning systems. Drilling of the Cornell University Borehole Observatory (CUBO) reached a depth of 9,790 feet, reaching the crystalline basement rock, and was concluded on August 13, 2022. CUBO is now capped and designated for long-term monitoring and future faculty and student research use. Throughout the process, educational outreach was central to CUBO. For instance, the CUBO team hosted many open houses and participated in workshops for K-12 teachers, and consistently encouraged the entire Ithaca community to visit the borehole site and talk with faculty about the process. The initial data confirms the rock temperatures between 75 and 100 degrees Celsius and little permeability, suggesting that an Enhanced Geothermal System will be needed. Researchers are currently working to analyze CUBO data to determine the viability of drilling a pair of wells to demonstrate and test Earth Source Heat. CUBO is undoubtedly a pioneer in the scientific field and its findings have the potential to completely transform the energy sector.

Additional Cornell Chronicle articles:
https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2022/10/drilling-ends-and-data-analysis-begins-borehole-observatory

https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2022/11/geothermal-experts-say-borehole-data-shows-promise