Is This Defi Coin Your Next "10-Bagger" Investment?

Our #1 pick in decentralized finance is largely overlooked by mainstream investors (for now). This governance token could skyrocket as DeFi adoption surges with the smart money and institutions.

Profiles in clean energy: Former Shell VP helps create a new way of making clean electricity

JENNIFER McDERMOTT
September 29, 2024

When Cindy Taff was a vice president at the giant oil and gas company Shell in Houston, her middle schooler Brianna would sometimes look over her shoulder as she worked from home.

"Why are you still working in oil and gas?" her daughter asked more than once. "Is there a future in it? Why aren't you moving into something clean?"

The words weighed on Taff.

"As a parent you want to give direction, and was I giving her the right direction?" she recalled.

At Shell, Taff was in charge of drilling wells and bringing them into production. She worked on oil and natural gas that's called unconventional in the industry, because the oil or natural gas is difficult to get out of the ground -- it doesn't naturally gush out like in movies. It's a term often used for oily shale rock. Taff was somewhat unconventional for the industry, too. Her coworkers used to tease her for driving an efficient hybrid.

"You're not helping oil and gas prices by driving a Prius," they'd say.

______

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is part of an occasional series of personal stories from the energy transition -- the change away from a fossil-fuel based world that largely causes climate change.

______

Taff wanted Shell to pursue the energy that comes from the Earth's natural heat -- geothermal. Her team looked into it, but Shell never greenlit any of those projects, saying it would take too much time to recoup the investment.

When Brianna went to college, she was passionate about energy too, but she wanted to work on renewables. After her sophomore year, in the summer of 2020, she got an internship at a geothermal company -- one that in fact had just been launched by Taff's former colleagues at Shell -- Sage Geosystems in Houston.

Now it was Taff looking over her daughter's shoulder and asking question as she worked from home during the pandemic.

And Sage executives were talking to Brianna, too. "We could use your mom here," they said. "Can you get her to come work for us?" Brianna recalled recently.

That's how Cindy Taff left her 36-year career at Shell to become chief operating officer at Sage.

"I didn't understand why Shell wasn't pursuing it," she said about applying the company's drilling expertise to heat energy. "Then I got this great opportunity to pivot from oil and gas and work with these guys that I have the utmost respect for. And also, I wanted to make my daughter proud, quite frankly."

Brianna Byrd, now 24, is the operations engineer and spokesperson at the company. She's glad her mother, now CEO, left oil and gas.

"Of course I'm biased, she's my mom, but I don't think Sage would be where it is without her," she said.

The United States is a world leader in electricity made from geothermal energy, but this kind of electricity still accounts for less than half a percent of the nation's total large-scale generation, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. In 2023, most geothermal electricity came from California, Nevada, Utah, Hawaii, Oregon, Idaho and New Mexico, where there are reservoirs of steam, or very hot water, close to the surface.

The Energy Department estimates this next generation of geothermal projects, like what Sage is doing, could provide some 90 gigawatts by 2050 -- enough to power 65 million homes or more. That hinges on private investment, and on companies like Sage introducing this form of energy to regions where, until now, it's been thought to be impossible.

How it works

Sage has two main technologies: The first makes electricity out of heat. The company drills wells and fractures hot, dry rock. Then electric pumps push water into those fractures, heating it up, and the hot water gets jettisoned to the surface where it spins a turbine.

But a funny thing happened during testing in Starr County, Texas. In late 2021, the team realized much of their technology could also be used to store energy.

If that works, it could be a big deal. Currently, to store energy at large scale, the United States is adding batteries, mostly lithium-ion type, to solar and wind projects, so they can charge up and send electricity back to the electric grid when the sun is not shining or the wind is not blowing. These batteries typically supply four hours maximum power.

Sage envisions some of its technology placed at solar and wind farms, too. When electricity demand is low, they'll use extra energy from a solar or wind farm to run electric pumps, pumping water into the underground fractures, leaving it there until demand for electricity increases -- storing the energy beneath the Earth's surface for hours, days or even weeks.

It's a novel way to use the technology, said Silviu Livescu, lead author on a report looking at the future of geothermal in Texas. Livescu knows Taff and has followed the company's progress.

"It's the right moment for companies like Sage with a purpose, with a mission and with the technology to show that geothermal indeed is the energy source we need to address climate change," said Livescu, who co-founded a different geothermal startup in Austin, Texas.

These days, Taff is often out in front, talking with politicians and policymakers about the potential of geothermal. She attended the United Nations COP28 climate talks last year to share her vision for this kind of energy.

Sage has raised $30 million so far and is growing.

It's building a small (3-megawatt), geothermal energy storage system at San Miguel Electric Cooperative, Inc., south of San Antonio this year. It's working with U.S. military facilities in Texas that see geothermal as a way to power their bases securely. Sage recently announced partnerships for heating communities in Bucharest, Romania; clean electricity from geothermal for Meta's data centers, and energy storage and geothermal projects in California.

The company is final-testing a proprietary turbine to more efficiently convert heat to electricity.

Because of her oil and gas background, Taff said she knows geothermal will only be adopted widely if the cost comes down. The mantra at Sage is: It's going to be clean and it's going to be cheap. She's excited to be working in a field she feels is on the cusp of playing a big role in cleaning and stabilizing the electrical grid.

"I've never looked back," she said. "I love what I'm doing and I think it's going to be transformative."

___

The Associated Press' climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP's standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

Continue Reading...

Popular

NATO is deploying eyes in the sky and on the Baltic Sea to protect vital cables. Here's why and how

ABOARD A FRENCH NAVY FLIGHT OVER THE BALTIC SEA (AP) — With , the French Navy surveillance plane scouring zoomed in on a cargo ship plowing the waters below — closer, closer and closer still until the camera operator could make out details on the vessel's front deck and smoke pouring from its chimney.

A food bank netted a huge haul of 13,000 fresh salmon. The catch? The fish were still alive

AUBURN, N.Y. (AP) — A New York food bank was offered a huge donation of fresh fish this month — but it came with a catch.

The DOGE Agenda (Eight Stocks to Buy) - Ad

Every investor in America is trying to figure out what Musk will do in Washington, D.C. in the coming weeks.

Hawaii wildfire victims spared from testifying after last-minute deal over $4B settlement

HONOLULU (AP) — Lawyers representing victims of a deadly Hawaii wildfire reached a last-minute deal averting a trial Wednesday to determine how to split a .

Critical Metals: The Linchpin of the Energy Transition - Ad

As EVs and AI take center stage, critical metals like copper, nickel, and PGMs are becoming the linchpin of clean energy and technological advances. One Canadian company's high-grade polymetallic discovery in Quebec is drawing comparisons to Russia's Norilsk Mine--one of the richest deposits globally. Backed by industry titans, this story is just beginning.

Senate confirms Zeldin to lead Environmental Protection Agency as Trump vows to cut climate rules

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Republican-controlled Senate on Wednesday confirmed Lee Zeldin to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, a key role to help President Donald Trump fulfill his pledge to roll back major environmental regulations, including those aimed at slowing climate change and encouraging use of electric vehicles.

UK Treasury chief backs third runway at London's Heathrow Airport

LONDON (AP) — The U.K. government is backing the construction of a third runway at London’s Heathrow Airport, Treasury chief Rachel Reeves said Wednesday.

Ex CIA Predicts 40% "Double Crash" -- April 11 - Ad

I strongly advise taking action ahead of this NEW kind of economic crash... What makes this new crash so uniquely dangerous is that it could erase bank accounts.... My best followers are already following the steps laid out in this video. Prepare now, or suffer when the market implodes by 40% in a single day as soon as April 11. You've been warned.

Shipments of uranium ore can resume under agreement reached with the Navajo Nation

Shipments of uranium ore from just south of the Grand Canyon are expected to resume in February after the Navajo Nation reached a settlement with the mining company, clearing the way for trucks to transport the ore across the largest Native American reservation in the U.S.

Cathie Wood Dumps Tesla Stock Ahead Of Q4 Earnings, Ark Invest Loads Up On Amazon

On Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025 Cathie Wood-led Ark Invest sold shares of Tesla ahead of its fourth-quarter earnings. Wood purchased Amazon shares on the same day.

Seven Unknown AI Stocks That Could Dominate the Next Six Years - Ad

The original "Magnificent Seven" stocks generated 16,800% over the last 20 years. But now a new set of AI stocks is set to take over. Alex Green dubs them "The Next Magnificent Seven." And he's arguing that just $1,000 in each could turn into more than $1 million in less than six years.

Trump White House Puts DeepSeek Under National Security Scanner: 'Wake-Up Call To The American AI Industry'

The White House is reviewing China's DeepSeek AI for potential national security risks, amid growing concerns over intellectual property theft and its impact on U.S. AI dominance.

Stryker's Strategic Moves Impress Analysts, Spine Implant Sale and NARI Deal Set to Drive Future Growth

Wall Street analysts upgraded Stryker Corp (NYSE: SYK) after its Q4 report beat expectations, with strong sales and earnings growth projected for 2025.

Unlocking a Polymetallic Discovery Like No Other - Ad

With drill results rivaling the best in the world and a fully funded 2025 program, this polymetallic stock is poised for major growth. Industry icons Robert Friedland and Rob McEwen are already in. Will you be next?

Dan Ives Expects Meta And Microsoft To Stand Firm On $60 - $80 Billion AI Spending Plans Amid DeepSeek's Disruptive AI Model

Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives expects Meta Platforms Inc. and Microsoft Corp. to stand firm on their ambitious artificial intelligence spending plans during their upcoming earnings calls, despite recent market jitters over Chinese AI startup DeepSeek's emergence.

What Bill O'Reilly Said Floored Me - Ad

Bill O'Reilly has trusted one expert for investment advice for over 20 years... Alexander Green. Now, Alex is revealing Trump's impact on YOUR Money, like how AI technology could amplify Trump's policies and details on 3 stocks that could rise 20-fold by 2029.

Who can share seeds? As climate change and counterfeits hurt Kenyan farmers, it's a growing question

KIKUYU, Kenya (AP) — Tucked away in a lush, forested area of central Kenya's Kikuyu town, the National Seed Bank stands as a crucial safeguard for the future of the country's agriculture. Inside two chilly rooms of a government building, more than 50,000 seed varieties are cataloged and stored.

F5 Sees Big Wins in Multi-Cloud, AI Security, and IT Refresh, Analysts Forecast More Upside

F5 Inc (NASDAQ: FFIV) reported strong Q1 results, beating revenue and EPS estimates. The stock gained as analysts raised price targets and expectations for further growth from IT budgets, data center refresh, and AI demand.

Love or Hate Him -- You Have To See What Elon Could Do Next - Ad

It's not electric vehicles, green energy or space travel that Elon Musk will be remembered for.

Bank of America's Sensitive Customer Data Compromised in Third-Party Hack - Is Your Account Safe?

Bank of America (NYSE: BAC) has confirmed a data breach involving a third-party software provider that led to the exposure of sensitive customer data.

7 AI Infrastructure Stocks Plunge Over 20%, Outpace Semiconductor Rout As DeepSeek Upends Investment Landscape

The launch of DeepSeek affects the AI boom including the power, cooling and data center giants that once rode the AI euphoria, which now have single-day losses exceeding 20%.

Alex Green Reveals The Top Trump Trades for 2025 - Ad

Wharton's Jeremy Siegel says Trump is "the most pro-stock market president we've had in our history." Now, with Trump's new economic blueprint in place, Alex Green has identified a handful companies that could lead the next wave of wealth creation... And he's revealing the names and ticker symbols, free of charge.

Gary Black Calls Tesla's Austin Robotaxi Launch By June 'Most Bullish' Takeaway, But Wants Answers On Auto Margins And Next-Gen EV

Tesla Inc. bull Gary Black highlighted the company's planned autonomous ride-hailing service in Austin as a significant development while expressing concerns about automotive margins and the forthcoming affordable electric vehicle's design.

Despite chaos over Trump White House's funding pause, FAFSA forms and student loans still available

A temporary freeze imposed briefly this week by the White House on federal grants and loans left many students wondering about the impact to the used to apply for financial aid.

Robotics Meets Public Safety Innovation - Ad

Advanced security robots, real-world impact, and a valuation gap too big to ignore. This robotics stock is one to watch.

3 ETFs Shine As Trump's First Week Sparks Record Gains Followed By Tech Slump

The S&P 500 had a strong first week, with ETFs such as SPY, VOO and IVV seeing gains. Were Trump's economic policies a factor?

Meat and greet: Historic London market counting down the years

LONDON (AP) — Norman Gregory is an institution within an institution. He’s been working at the historic Smithfield wholesale meat market in central London since 1961, witnessing first hand the rapid transformation of the capital over the decades.

5-Second Trump Clip will Give You Chills - Ad

If you have any money in the markets, take a moment to see this presentation with a 5-second clip of a shocking prediction President Trump made during his victory speech... Because according to legendary investor Louis Navellier, who correctly predicted Trump's win... This prediction is about to become a reality.

Apple Surprises Users With Starlink Beta, Teams Up With Elon Musk's SpaceX And T-Mobile To Bring Satellite Texting For iPhone Users In iOS 18.3

Apple has partnered with SpaceX and T-Mobile to bring Starlink satellite texting to iPhones, with a limited beta test rolling out via iOS 18.3, marking a major step toward expanding connectivity in remote areas.

Judge Blocks Trump's Order To Freeze Federal Grant Money

A federal judge in the District of Columbia on Tuesday afternoon temporarily blocked an executive order given by President Donald Trump that imposed a freeze of all federal grants and loans, putting $3 trillion in funding in jeopardy and entire industries on edge. 

Elon Musk's Critical Metals Warning: What Investors Need to Know - Ad

Elon Musk has repeatedly warned about the looming critical metals crisis, calling materials like nickel, copper, and PGMs essential to Tesla's future. One Canadian discovery in Quebec is drawing comparisons to Russia's Norilsk Mine and has the potential to reshape global supply chains. With heavyweight backers and a fully funded exploration plan, this opportunity demands attention.

Bill Ackman Questions Whether DeepSeek AI's Hedge Fund Affiliate Profited From Nvidia's Sell-Off: 'A Fortune Could Have Been Made'

Billionaire investor Bill Ackman questioned whether DeepSeek's hedge fund affiliate potentially profited from Monday's tech stock rout, which saw Nvidia Corp. shares plunge 17% following the Chinese artificial intelligence startup's emergence as a potential disruptor.

Tesla Stock Rises 5% After-Hours On FSD And New Vehicle Promises Despite Q4 Revenue Miss

Tesla Inc stock rose as much as 5% after hours over the company's promises of launching new and "more affordable" models in the first half of 2025, in addition to other promises regarding the deployment of autonomous vehicles and licensing of the company's full self-driving (FSD) driver assistance software to rivals.

22X Better Than Bitcoin... Without Crypto - Ad

For every $1,000 made in Bitcoin... you could have made as much as $22,000 with this strategy. legendary former hedge fund manager Larry Benedict calls it "Bitcoin Skimming." And get this... it's CRUSHING Bitcoin's returns. If you want to get in on the ground floor then watch this free interview NOW.

A new luxury hotel towers over Havana as Cuba's economic troubles mount and tourism plummets

HAVANA (AP) — It’s impossible to miss. The huge rectangular mass of concrete and glass — the tallest building in Havana — dominates the city skyline, towering 150 meters (490 feet) above colonial homes with its 542 luxury rooms and majestic views of the city and the sea.

UK Faces Triple Threat as Economic Uncertainty Hits

The United Kingdom faces a decline in stock market listings, demographic crisis, and diminishing tax revenue with an exodus of high earners.

The $20 Stock Powering NVIDIA, TESLA, and Microsoft - Ad

The biggest AI firms in the world... All rely on this single company. And right now, you can get in for only $20 - but not for long.

Shiba Inu's Shytoshi Kusama Teases 'Extremely Powerful Partnership' -- Coin Themed On Him Rallies 25%

Shiba Inu (CRYPTO: SHIB) lead ambassador Shytoshi Kusama hinted at a major partnership announcement for the blockchain ecosystem on Tuesday, stirring up excitement among enthusiasts.

Trending Now

Information, charts or examples are for illustration and educational purposes only and not for individualized investment management This message contains commercial elements, such as advertising. We only send these offers to those who have opted in to our newsletter. Past performance is not indicative of future results. For these reasons we strongly suggest trading in a DEMO/Simulated account. The information provided by us is for educational and informational purposes only. We make no representations or warranties concerning the products, practices or procedures of any company or entity mentioned or recommended and have not determined if the statements and opinions of the advertiser are accurate, correct or truthful. If you use, act upon or make decisions in reliance on information contained or any external source linked within it, you do so at your own peril and agree to hold us, our officers, directors, shareholders, affiliates and agents without fault.

Copyright trendadvisor.net
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service