Articles tagged with Geothermal Energy
Portland State University is leading a national research team using artificial intelligence to lower the cost of finding geothermal energy. The ARISE project, supported by the US Department of Energy, aims to narrow the range of estimated costs by at least 10% through machine learning and data analysis.
A new Canada Research Chair is being used to accelerate the energy transition and reduce dependence on fossil fuels for remote communities. Professor Jasmin Raymond's research program focuses on geothermal energy, green hydrogen storage, and natural hydrogen exploration to meet energy needs while minimizing environmental impacts.
Quaise Energy is building the world's first power plant using superhot geothermal energy, with the goal of producing at least 50 megawatts of clean electricity. The project aims to harness temperatures greater than 300 degrees C and validate its long-held hypothesis that higher subsurface temperatures can improve power production.
Oregon State University's Experimental Deep Geothermal Energy lab will recreate extreme underground conditions in the lab with Quaise Energy's support. The goal is to learn about superhot rock geothermal energy, which could supply 63 terawatts of firm, carbon-free power.
A recent Stanford University study reveals that EGS can significantly reduce the amount of wind, solar, and battery infrastructure needed for a clean, renewable energy transition. Adding EGS to the renewable energy mix produces substantial infrastructure savings, including reduced land requirements and infrastructure needs.
A McGill University-led research team has demonstrated the feasibility of thermally driven reverse osmosis (TDRO) for desalinating seawater, utilizing low-grade heat from solar thermal and geothermal energy. The cost-effective technique could improve access to water and increase sustainability in infrastructure.
The University of Pittsburgh is launching a groundbreaking undergraduate degree in Natural Gas, Renewables, and Oil Engineering (GRO), combining traditional oil and gas engineering with renewable systems. The program prepares students for a rapidly changing global energy market and offers strong career prospects.
Quaise Energy has successfully demonstrated its groundbreaking geothermal drilling technology, achieving record-breaking depths and speeds. The company aims to revolutionize the energy sector by providing a reliable and sustainable source of clean energy.
The study developed a three-dimensional heat transfer model to analyze energy pile performance in soft clay soils. The results revealed thermal interference and crowding effects, but also introduced practical multiplier factors to simplify predictions and reduce computational resources.
A new Princeton analysis suggests that enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) could become the third most significant clean energy technology in the US by 2050. EGS has the potential to deploy up to 250 gigawatts of electricity, which is comparable to the current grid capacity of 1,200 gigawatts.
Quaise Energy has successfully demonstrated its novel drilling technique on a full-scale oil rig, aiming to prove that clean, renewable geothermal energy can power the world. The company's three-tier approach involves replacing conventional drill bits with millimeter-wave energy to create deeper holes and access supercritical water.
A collaborative research project led by Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz aims to understand the impact of thermally induced fracture formation on mineral rock properties. The study will help reduce associated risks and improve geothermal energy's efficiency.
Dr. Rita Okoroafor's research integrates geochemistry, geomechanics, and reservoir engineering to improve understanding of fluid-rock interactions in subsurface technologies. Her work enhances hydrogen storage efficiency, optimizes geothermal reservoir performance, and improves CO2 storage security.
Researchers at Quaise Energy have published new designs for superhot geothermal plants, which could increase the size of the prize by an order of magnitude. The designs apply conventional principles to higher-temperature ranges, informing a roadmap toward a superhot future.
A new seismic study of Singapore reveals areas with increased risk of ground shaking, guiding urban growth and renewable energy development. The research identifies potential reservoirs for geothermal energy production and provides insights into the city-state's tectonic history.
Researchers estimate that enhanced geothermal systems could make up a far greater share of humanity's energy needs, providing stability to a decarbonized power grid. By 2045, California could reach 40 gigawatts of geothermal capacity, replacing fossil fuels for baseload power.
Kevin Rosso, a senior scientist at PNNL, has been recognized as a Battelle Fellow for his exceptional contributions to Earth and space science. He leads research on the role of minerals in energy storage and release, with applications in geothermal energy systems.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University identified clogging in a geothermal well due to accidental venting, highlighting the need for regular inspection and monitoring of water quality. The study emphasizes the importance of geochemical analysis of groundwater for stable and widespread use of aquifer thermal energy storage systems.
A proof-of-concept study has demonstrated that off-the-shelf thermoelectric generators can convert CO2 into useful fuels and chemicals. The temperature differences encountered in various environments, from geothermal installations to the Martian surface, could power this conversion.
Researchers have confirmed that fractures can form in superhot, superdeep rock, making it more permeable and potentially increasing its economic value. This breakthrough could lead to the development of cleaner, more efficient geothermal energy sources.
Scientists have reconstructed climate information from rocks dating back to the Devonian period, finding significant geological events such as oceanic openings and mountain uplift. The study's findings may help improve the usability of deep geothermal energy.
Researchers have developed a computer model that sheds light on extracting renewable energy from superhot, super deep rock. The model shows the formation of microscopic cracks creating a dense 'cloud of permeability' throughout the affected rock, which can lead to higher power delivery and efficiency.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered a direct link between seismic activity and rock permeability, which could improve geothermal energy transfer. By monitoring microearthquakes, the team found that the strength of seismic activity is correlated with increased rock permeability.
Researchers are exploring engineered geothermal systems and innovative drilling technologies to unlock superhot rock energy. However, significant gaps in research and development need to be addressed to achieve temperatures over 375°C.
A Princeton-led study found that flexible geothermal power can provide over 100 gigawatts of clean energy in the western US, surpassing the existing nuclear fleet. By leveraging enhanced geothermal's energy storage properties, plants can generate electricity on demand, complementing intermittent sources like solar and wind.
A team of scientists discovered that fractures propagate in starts and stops, moving through materials at high speeds. The amplitude and time between jumps depend on the viscosity of the liquid injected into the rock.
Researchers have developed an ion-exchange method that captures CO2 at room temperature, paired with an electrochemical cell to purify the gas. The technology has the potential to be powered by industrial waste heat or geothermal energy, reducing emissions and costs.
The 2023 Geothermal Rising Conference highlights growing interest in superhot rock geothermal, with papers validating its viability for high power output and small spatial footprint. Researchers are developing new technologies to access these resources, including millimeter wave energy to drill deeper holes.
A study found that underground car parks in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland warm the groundwater throughout the year. The team proposes using geothermal energy and heat pumps to extract excess heat from the ground, which could supply sustainable heat to cities like Berlin.
Researchers at MIT have discovered that the sounds produced by rocks under different pressures can reveal their depth and strength, helping scientists identify unstable regions below the surface. This new method could aid in drilling for geothermal energy and understanding the Earth's crust.
The project aims to collect core samples and temperature data down to 15,000 feet to test the potential of geothermal energy in the region. Data will also be gathered on underground carbon storage in the Appalachian basin, a scientific first in the state.
A new study suggests that using underground water for thermal energy storage (ATES) can reduce heating and cooling energy demand in the US by 40%, making urban energy infrastructure more resilient. ATES stores energy as temperature underground, leveraging natural geological features to heat or cool buildings during extreme weather events.
Advances in drilling technology are unlocking geothermal energy's full potential, with supercritical water offering an efficient energy source. Improved drilling methods aim to overcome the financial barrier of deep geothermal exploration, enabling a step-change in power output.
The study of Doublet Pool reveals that the interval between episodes of thumping reflects the amount of energy heating the pool, while also indicating heat loss through the surface. The researchers found that wind speed over the pools was correlated with silence intervals, suggesting that blowing wind removes heat energy from the water.
A team of researchers has identified the importance of rifted margins in the transition to a green economy. These continental margins harbor vast accumulations of rocks and hydrocarbon reserves, making them a potential location for new resources needed for a carbon-neutral economy. The study provides an overview of the processes that s...
University of Houston researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in cubic boron arsenide, demonstrating exceptional high carrier mobility. This finding has significant implications for the development of efficient semiconductors, with potential applications in various electronic and optical fields.
A KIT study reveals that low-temperature aquifer thermal energy storage is a promising technology for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from heating and cooling buildings. The study found that over 54% of German territory is suited well or very well for this system, with the potential to increase by 13% by 2100.
Scientists at Quaise Energy are developing a new technology using millimeter waves to blast rock and create deep holes for geothermal energy production. This approach has the potential to provide more than enough clean energy to meet world demand as we transition away from fossil fuels.
Geothermal energy has the potential to provide up to 50% of the world's energy by 2050 due to its clean, global, and baseload characteristics. To scale up, companies are leveraging existing oil and gas industry expertise, while simplifying complexity for residential geothermal applications.
Experts are optimistic about converting coal plants to production of clean geothermal energy, citing the number of enabling technologies coming online. The potential market is substantial, with around 4,200 coal plants worldwide, many of which can be repurposed due to advancements in technology and a lack of economic incentive.
A new energy plan developed by researchers at Kyushu University suggests a more sustainable future energy system that includes 61% renewable-based electricity. The plan, which prioritizes solar and wind power, exceeds current projections by 50%, with significant reductions in coal-based generation and nuclear power.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that decarbonization pathways need to incorporate more efficient electric heating technologies and renewable energy sources to minimize strain on the US electric grid. The researchers analyzed building energy data from March 2010 to February 2020 and found that winter heati...
Researchers from Tohoku University used agent-based simulation to visualize consensus building around geothermal power plant development in Japan. The model demonstrated how diverse opinions of stakeholders converge to a consensus, with factors such as stakeholder attributes, locations, and influential individuals affecting opinion for...
A team of scientists is mapping out California's Lithium Valley and assessing the Salton Sea geothermal field's potential for sustainable, environmentally friendly lithium extraction. The goal is to meet America's urgent demand for lithium in a way that doesn't harm the environment.
Researchers aim to quantify and characterize the lithium in California's Salton Sea geothermal reservoir to secure a domestic supply chain. The project will investigate environmental impacts and provide insights on the subsurface resource potential.
The seminar on geothermal energy held by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) showcases the growing interest in the renewable source among oil and gas professionals. The event highlights opportunities for oil and gas experts, market trends, challenges, and potential solutions for scaling geothermal energy globally.
Researchers evaluate various technologies for extracting lithium from hot, saline brines, facing technical challenges due to high heat and dissolved minerals. The Salton Sea region in California is identified as a major domestic source of lithium, with the goal of developing environmentally friendly 'green' lithium sources.
Researchers at Kyushu University developed a new, low-cost seismic monitoring system that can detect changes in pore pressure with greater than 99.99% accuracy. The system uses a small seismic source and distributed acoustic sensing technology to monitor subsurface formations over an extensive area at a relatively low cost.
Quaise Inc.'s new geothermal drilling technology uses millimeter waves to melt and vaporize rock, allowing for deeper access to hot resources. The company's test campaign aims to drill holes with increasing aspect ratios, simulating the full drilling process.
Clean geothermal power could become as important as fossil fuels, with new technologies and repurposed oil and gas expertise crucial to its development. Industry leaders emphasize the need for collaboration between geothermal and oil and gas professionals.
A WVU-led research team will test the potential of geothermal energy by drilling three miles into the ground. The project aims to reduce carbon footprint and decrease energy costs for the university, with potential implications for industries across West Virginia.
Researchers have mapped significant geothermal heat beneath Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica, revealing a new potential weak spot in the ice sheet's stability. This heat flow, estimated to be up to 150 milliwatts per square meter, could lead to easier sliding of the glacier and potentially accelerate its collapse.
The Quaise approach uses millimeter wave technology to melt rock, creating a strong glass liner that prevents the hole from collapsing. The technology also automatically removes vaporized rock using existing compressor technology, making it economically feasible and practical for widespread adoption.
Researchers successfully created amorphous ice similar to interstellar space and on Jupiter's moon Europa, which could help interpret data from future NASA missions. They also developed an envelope system that diverts heat away from buildings and stores it for future use, reducing energy consumption by over 50%. Additionally, scientist...
UTA researchers have developed a new geothermal de-icing technique for bridges that uses thermal energy from the ground to melt ice and snow. The system has shown excellent results in tests so far, promising a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional salt and sand treatments.
Researchers will use advanced technology to create fractures and monitor wells for improved flow rates, with the goal of reducing costs and increasing power production from geothermal wells.
Scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory are working to develop technology for efficient lithium extraction from geothermal brine in California. The projects aim to unlock the state's potential as a major supplier of lithium, essential for battery production and global demand is expected to skyrocket.
A new study analyzed temporal evolution of seismicity and growth of maximum observed moment magnitudes in various stimulation projects. The results show a clear linear relation between injected fluid volume and cumulative seismic moments for most projects, indicating that seismicity can be managed by changes in injection strategy.
The University of Texas at Austin is launching a unique initiative to make itself a national hub for geothermal energy expertise and startups. The new Geothermal Entrepreneurship Organization will leverage existing expertise in geosystems and drilling engineering to develop technologies and launch companies.
A new method for locating potential drilling sites covered by water has been presented by an international research team, combining bathymetry measurements with geochemical profiles. This approach allows the distinction between permeable and non-permeable structures, enabling more precise location of promising locations for drilling.