The Utah Legislature has honored University of Utah scientist Joseph Moore for “his lifetime of service and dedication to advancing geothermal energy, leading groundbreaking research, and serving as a mentor to hundreds of young scientists.”
U President Taylor Randall, left, and Joseph Moore, geoscientist honored by the Utah Legislature for his work advancing geothermal energy.
Moore, a research professor in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, is overseeing a $218 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to develop and enhance geothermal systems (EGS). That work is unfolding in Beaver County at a facility known as Utah FORGE, or Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy, where his team has been drilling deep into the ground to develop and test new ways to draw Earth’s heat to the surface in the form of steam that could drive electrical generators.
Moore is also an adjunct professor of geology and a research professor with the U’s Earth & Geoscience Institute.
“He has devoted thousands or hours to this largest-ever EGS research project—and one of the largest grants the University has ever received—shepherding game-changing breakthroughs that have been widely adopted by the industry around the world,” the citation says.
The citation speaks to the value of federally funded scientific research occurring on university campuses, serving as incubators of innovation.
Moore’s career stretches back more than half a century when he earned his doctorate at Pennsylvania State University. He first came to Utah to pursue mineral exploration before joining the university to explore geothermal resources instead. Moore has since published 150 reports and peer-reviewed scientific papers. This internationally recognized research has supported numerous projects with DOE, National Science Foundation, private companies and the United Nations.
“He has dedicated his career to advancements in geothermal energy—a clean, renewable, and constantly available energy source,” says the citation signed on Feb. 14 by Sen. Nate Blouin, D-Salt Lake City, and Rep. Colin Jack, R-St. George, along with Senate President Stuart Adams and House Speaker Mike Schultz. “The Legislature further extends deep appreciation for all of his contributions to making Utah a leader in energy independence for the nation and for future generations.”