Next Generation Geothermal Technologies

Geothermal energy, while a reliable renewable source, currently supplies only a small portion of global electricity due to its geographic limitations and lack of flexibility. Next-generation technologies like Quaise, EGS, and closed-loop systems are emerging to address these limitations, potentially expanding geothermal's role in the global energy mix by making it available in more locations and offering greater flexibility, though cost-competitiveness with other renewables remains a key challenge.

Current Geothermal Technology

• 00:01:29 Traditional geothermal energy production utilizes convective heat transfer, requiring permeable rock formations and a natural heat source near tectonic activity or volcanic zones. This approach has limited geographic application, as ideal conditions are primarily found near tectonic plate boundaries. Despite its reliability, traditional geothermal's output lacks flexibility, hindering its ability to balance variable renewables in modern grids.

Quaise Energy

• 00:05:46 Quaise Energy is developing a deep geothermal technology that utilizes high-power microwaves to drill up to 20km into the Earth's crust, accessing supercritical fluids with temperatures exceeding 500 degrees. This approach aims to make geothermal energy accessible almost anywhere, offering significantly higher energy density compared to conventional methods. However, challenges remain in scaling up from test drilling to full-depth commercial wells, and flexibility for grid integration remains an open issue.

Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS)

• 00:07:34 Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) create permeability in deep rock formations through high-pressure water injection, similar to fracking. This allows for geothermal energy extraction in areas lacking natural hydrothermal conditions, expanding its potential geographic reach. EGS also enables energy storage by controlling fluid injection and extraction rates, making it function like an underground battery. While promising, EGS raises environmental concerns like groundwater contamination and potential seismic activity.

Closed-Loop Geothermal

• 00:10:09 Closed-loop geothermal systems circulate fluid within a sealed pipe loop underground, absorbing heat from the surrounding rock without direct contact. This approach eliminates risks like groundwater contamination, scaling, and corrosion associated with other geothermal methods. Although it offers flexibility in energy storage and output, closed-loop systems require extensive underground infrastructure and technically challenging deep horizontal drilling, leading to higher costs.

Cost Reduction Potential

• 00:12:09 Next-generation geothermal technologies are projected to achieve faster cost reductions compared to traditional geothermal. Advancements in drilling technology and the ability to create ideal conditions artificially reduce exploration risks. The oil and gas industry's experience with rapid cost declines in horizontal drilling offers a potential model for geothermal. Closed-loop systems also benefit from modularity, leading to cost savings with experience, potentially making geothermal cost-competitive with other renewables.