Future Technologies to Enhance Geothermal Energy Recovery

Journal Article · Fri Jul 25 04:00:00 EDT 2008 · Geothermal Tomorrow, n/a, n/a, September 1, 2008, pp. 9-12

OSTI ID:945791

Roberts, J J; Kaahaaina, N; Aines, R; Zucca, J; Foxall, B; Atkins-Duffin, C

Geothermal power is a renewable, low-carbon option for producing base-load (i.e., low-intermittency) electricity. Improved technologies have the potential to access untapped geothermal energy sources, which experts estimate to be greater than 100,000 MWe. However, many technical challenges in areas such as exploration, drilling, reservoir engineering, and energy conversion must be addressed if the United States is to unlock the full potential of Earth's geothermal energy and displace fossil fuels. (For example, see Tester et al., 2006; Green and Nix, 2006; and Western Governors Association, 2006.) Achieving next-generation geothermal power requires both basic science and applied technology to identify prospective resources and effective extraction strategies. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has a long history of research and development work in support of geothermal power. Key technologies include advances in scaling and brine chemistry, economic and resource assessment, direct use, exploration, geophysics, and geochemistry. For example, a high temperature, multi-spacing, multi-frequency downhole EM induction logging tool (GeoBILT) was developed jointly by LLNL and EMI to enable the detection and orientation of fractures and conductive zones within the reservoir (Figure 1). Livermore researchers also conducted studies to determine how best to stave off increased salinity in the Salton Sea, an important aquatic ecosystem in California. Since 1995, funding for LLNL's geothermal research has decreased, but the program continues to make important contributions to sustain the nation's energy future. The current efforts, which are highlighted in this report, focus on developing an Engineered Geothermal System (EGS) and on improving technologies for exploration, monitoring, characterization, and geochemistry. Future research will also focus on these areas.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 945791
• Report Number(s): LLNL-JRNL-405756
• Journal Information: Geothermal Tomorrow, n/a, n/a, September 1, 2008, pp. 9-12, Journal Name: Geothermal Tomorrow, n/a, n/a, September 1, 2008, pp. 9-12
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
CHEMISTRY
ELECTRICITY
ENERGY CONVERSION
EXPLORATION
FOSSIL FUELS
GEOCHEMISTRY
GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS
INDUCTION LOGGING
LAWRENCE LIVERMORE NATIONAL LABORATORY
RESERVOIR ENGINEERING
RESOURCE ASSESSMENT
SALTON SEA