THIS STORY HAS BEEN FORMATTED FOR EASY PRINTING

Conn., Mass. seek energy-producing rocks

By Stephen Singer
AP Business Writer / December 5, 2010

E-mail this article

Invalid E-mail address
Invalid E-mail address

Sending your article

Your article has been sent.

Text size +

EAST HAMPTON, Conn.—Researchers are combing southern New England in search of rocks that will produce energy from deep within the earth.

Connecticut and Massachusetts are mapping areas with rocks containing natural radioactivity.

Connecticut state geologist Margaret Thomas said the rocks could produce energy through a process that captures heat and steam from drilling.

Rising oil prices and environmental concerns are motivating researchers to find alternative sources of energy such as wind, solar and geothermal.

Making money from the new energy source is another matter. One business executive says tapping rocks for energy will become more common as drilling costs fall and efficiency improves.