Interview with Louis Ellis Capuano, Jr.
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Louis Ellis Capuano, Jr. and I am the CEO and President of the Capuano Engineering Company of Santa Rosa, California. Although, I am a graduate in Petroleum Engineering, I am an active geothermal drilling engineer.
What makes Geothermal so great?
Geothermal is an indigenous form of energy that should be exploited to provide domestic base load energy to many areas of the world, whether or not that area has any hydrocarbon potential. Geothermal is a clean form of renewable energy that benefits many location in the world. As a petroleum drilling engineer, I see the potential and enjoy the challenge for drilling geothermal well. It is very similar to oil and gas drilling with unique differences. I believe for the world to have sufficient energy for all its people we need to develop all forms of energy and geothermal is one of these forms. Geothermal is clean, baseload, runs 24/7, very low maintenance as well as operating costs. I have been working in the geothermal industry since 1974 and I have seen the development and the progression of geothermal and have enjoy my relationships built up in the industry. I am encouraged for the future of geothermal, we have just scratched the surface. The easy resources have been developed and now we work on the hidden and deeper resources which should have much more potential.
What makes IGA so great?
I have been attending GRC meetings for 40 years and IGA meetings for as long as it has been in existence. I think what makes these organizations great is our ability to work and learn together. We are constantly meeting and providing workshops and various sessions for both our members and the general public for education purposes. The geothermal community is rather small when you look at it, however in small organizations we can make people feel involved. I served as President of the GRC for 4 years (2 terms) and I enjoyed it serving our members and now with the IGA I have an opportunity to work more closely with international geothermal leaders.
