Based on a series of studies on geothermal energy in New York City, I propose the idea of using islands to address some of the mainland’s challenges. Rikers Island, for example, has long been a contentious issue—a jail island that has gradually transformed in response to policies but remains a significant problem for the government and a reviled facility in the eyes of the public. While the government has proposed various futures for Rikers Island, most plans focus on completely erasing the existing facilities.
However, through my research on underground geological geothermal potential, I found that the bedrock beneath Rikers Island may have significant potential for geothermal energy extraction. Therefore, I propose transforming the island’s incarceration center into a renewable energy facility that utilizes geothermal energy.
By integrating geothermal energy plants into the existing jail units, we can disrupt the traditional centralized layout and create more interactive spaces for inmates. This transformation can facilitate skill development and temporary detention, helping inmates more easily reintegrate into society and pursue a bette
