The GeoTES Revolution Solving California's Energy Crisis with Oil and Innovation

In this episode of the Energy Newsbeat podcast, host Stu Turley sits down with David Blackmon (Forbes contributor and Energy Impacts podcast host) and Mike Umbro (energy innovator and founder of California for Energy and Science) to explore a groundbreaking solution to California's energy crisis. The conversation centers on Geologic Thermal Energy Storage (GeoTES)—a revolutionary technology that harnesses solar energy to heat oil reservoirs, enabling zero-emission, dispatchable power generation while simultaneously producing oil from existing fields. Against the backdrop of California's soaring electricity prices, refinery closures, and grid instability, the hosts examine how this innovative approach could reshape the state's energy landscape. They also delve into the regulatory obstacles, climate policy contradictions, and the broader implications of energy independence, revealing how domestic energy production—far from being incompatible with environmental goals—may be essential to achieving them.

Connect with Mike Umbro on his LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeumbro/

Check out Californians for Energy & Science: https://www.energyandscience.com/

Connect with David Blackmon on his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-blackmon-2325189/

1. Geologic Thermal Energy Storage (GeoTES) TechnologyThe core focus of the discussion is Mike Umbro's innovative GeoTES project—a novel energy technology that uses solar arrays to heat water, which is then injected into oil reservoirs to create synthetic geothermal systems. This allows for zero-emission, dispatchable power generation while simultaneously producing oil from existing fields.

2. California's Energy CrisisThe hosts extensively discuss California's severe energy challenges:

Electricity prices are among the highest in the nation (second only to Hawaii)The state imports 25-30% of its electricity and crude oilRecent grid instability caused spot prices to spike to $200-250 per megawatt hourGasoline prices are inflated by state taxes and climate programs (adding ~$1.40 per gallon)3. Refinery Closures and Their ImpactA critical issue highlighted is California's loss of refinery capacity:

The state had 40+ refineries in the 1980s; now only 7 remain with 5 slated to closeEach refinery closure adds approximately $2 per gallon to gas pricesThis forces reliance on floating storage (tanker ships) and imports, increasing emissions4. Regulatory and Permitting ChallengesMike discusses the 7-year permitti