Enhanced geothermal systems represent a cutting-edge approach to harnessing geothermal energy, expanding its potential beyond traditional geothermal reservoirs.<\/p>\n

Unlike conventional geothermal systems, which rely on naturally occurring high-permeability rock formations to extract heat, enhanced geothermal systems can be applied to areas with lower permeability.<\/p>\n

The technology involves drilling deep into the Earth’s crust, typically several kilometres down, to reach hot rocks. Water is then injected at high pressure into these boreholes, creating fractures in the rock formations and allowing for increased heat transfer.<\/p>\n

The heated water is then pumped back to the surface, where its thermal energy can be utilised to generate electricity or for direct heating applications.<\/p>\n

One of the key advantages is its potential to access geothermal resources in regions where conventional geothermal systems are not feasible, expanding the geographical scope of geothermal energy production.<\/p>\n

Additionally, enhanced geothermal systems can enhance the productivity and longevity of existing geothermal reservoirs by stimulating heat exchange in previously untapped areas.<\/p>\n

Selected projects<\/h3>\n

The three projects that will receive funding include:<\/p>\n

\n
• Chevron New Energies: This initiative will utilise innovative drilling and stimulation techniques to tap into geothermal energy near an existing field in Sonoma County, California;<\/li>\n
• Fervo Energy: Located in the Milford Renewable Energy Corridor in Utah, this project aims to produce at least eight megawatts of power from each of three wells, with no existing commercial geothermal power production in the area; and<\/li>\n
• Mazama Energy: Situated on the western flank of Newberry Volcano in Oregon, this project will demonstrate super-hot enhanced geothermal systems with temperatures exceeding 375\u00b0C, advancing the science needed to operate in extreme heat conditions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

  Geothermal electricity could become a clean, cost-effective option nationwide by improving and derisking enhanced geothermal systems technologies and reducing their cost.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

  The DOE has selected three projects to receive $60m funding to demonstrate the efficacy and scalability of enhanced geothermal systems.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":43669,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[24204],"tags":[24555,628],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n