CUTTING EDGE GEOTHERMAL

New Report Examines R&D Needs in Geothermal Exploration and Drilling
December 11, 2009 (PR Newswire)

"A significant amount of the risk associated with geothermal energy lies in uncertainties encountered in exploration and drilling, and [ R&D Needs in Geothermal Exploration and Development from the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA)] outlines the needs and opportunities for research to help address those problems and propel more geothermal energy production…"

Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) hold enormous potential but... (click to enlarge)

"The GEA report used a broad approach to the issue and is based upon interviews with many experts in the industry and at universities and national laboratories regarding geothermal exploration and drilling. The paper gives an overview of the various stages of exploration and drilling and addresses areas where significant geothermal R&D needs and opportunities exist. The paper recognizes the potential of breakthrough technologies and [Enhanced Geothermal Systems, EGS] as being important areas for R&D. At the same time, the paper also emphasizes focusing R&D on developing conventional technologies that could positively impact the industry in the near term…"

...drilling deep to where the heat is can create earth-shaking instability. (click to enlarge)

"Current R&D efforts in the geothermal industry have recently received increasing amounts of attention. This last November the Department of Energy announced approximately $338 million for geothermal research projects, including 24 "Innovative Exploration and Drilling Projects" which will be awarded up to $98.1 million. The paper identifies those recipients of ARRA funding and their relation to the different exploration and drilling R&D needs being presented…"