The Energy & Geoscience Institute Presents
Geothermal Center of Excellence
“Many of you have heard me say this before: geothermal has such ENORMOUS potential. If we can capture the ‘heat beneath our feet,’ it can be the clean, reliable, base-load scalable power for everybody from industries to households.”
– Secretary Jennifer Granholm
Vision and Needs for Geothermal Energy
Our vision for geothermal energy focuses on driving innovation and sustainability in the energy sector. To achieve this, we strive to:
Enhance Efficiency
Develop advanced technologies and methodologies to improve the efficiency of geothermal systems.
Reduce Risks
Implement robust risk management strategies to minimize operational and environmental risks.
Mitigate Environmental Impacts
Adopt eco-friendly practices to reduce the environmental footprint of geothermal energy projects.
Ensure Economic Viability
Promote cost-effective solutions that ensure the economic sustainability of geothermal energy.
Optimize Resource Management
Efficiently manage water usage, chemical interactions, and heat transport in geothermal operations.
Advance Education and Training
Provide comprehensive educational resources and training programs to build expertise in geothermal energy.
Foster Collaboration
Encourage partnerships between academia, industry, and government to drive collective progress in geothermal research and application.
Previous and Ongoing Research Efforts
Enhancing Drilling Efficiency and Reducing Operational Time
Our team has successfully demonstrated the feasibility of high-temperature, high-angle drilling in geothermal environments by utilizing advanced polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bits. These cutting-edge techniques significantly enhance drilling speed and reliability, making geothermal energy extraction more cost-effective.
Reservoir Stimulation and Energy Transfer
In the Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) space, we focus on optimizing stimulation designs, adapting tools, instruments, and materials for high-temperature conditions, and enhancing energy transfer from initially impermeable hot dry rock reservoirs. By improving these critical components, we aim to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of geothermal energy extraction.
Advanced Real-Time Robust Data Collection
Our team utilizes cutting-edge high-temperature logging tools that deliver continuous real-time data on temperature and pressure throughout the drilling and stimulation processes. This advanced monitoring system enhances our ability to understand and optimize subsurface conditions, leading to more efficient and effective geothermal energy extraction.
More Reliable and Cost-Effective Isolation Tools, Plugs, and Packers
To ensure precise and efficient stimulation of the geothermal reservoir, our team successfully deployed and retrieved bridge plugs under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions. This achievement was critical for isolating specific well sections, allowing for controlled pressurization and targeted stimulation of fractures, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the geothermal system.
Microsismicity Monitoring in Hot Reservoirs
We are continuously enhancing an extensive network of high-resolution seismic sensors capable of monitoring microseismic events in real-time under geothermal conditions during stimulation and production activities. This system allows for precise tracking of fracture development and the distribution of seismic activity within the geothermal reservoir. The data collected optimizes stimulation techniques, improves reservoir management, and mitigates potential seismic hazards, ensuring the stability and integrity of the geothermal system​.
Fiber Optic Cables for Geothermal Monitoring
We are optimizing the use of fiber optic cables for geothermal monitoring, particularly through Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) and Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) technologies. DAS allows for real-time monitoring of seismic activity and fracture propagation along the wellbore, providing essential data for optimizing fracture design and ensuring system stability. DTS offers continuous temperature profiles, aiding in the management of thermal variations and fluid flow within the reservoir. These advanced fiber optic technologies enhance data collection, enabling precise monitoring and optimization of geothermal operations, thereby improving the efficiency and safety of geothermal energy extraction.
Project Highlight: Utah FORGE
Utah FORGE, sponsored by the Department of Energy, is an underground field laboratory dedicated to advancing Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) technologies. This international field laboratory features state-of-the-art facilities for research, drilling, and technology testing. The initiative, led by the Energy & Geoscience Institute at the University of Utah, involves collaboration with various institutions to develop breakthroughs in geothermal energy. With a focus on data collection and dissemination in real-time, Utah FORGE aims to lead transformative EGS research and establish a reproducible pathway for commercial geothermal development, making it a pioneering endeavor in the field.
Number of Feet Drilled
Data Downloads
Research Portfolio
Geothermal Research Consortium
The Geothermal Research Consortium spearheads cutting-edge sustainable energy research, uniting global experts for impactful breakthroughs. Committed to cross-disciplinary excellence, the Consortium transforms ideas into solutions, advancing our understanding of geothermal resources. An exclusive members-only area provides premium access to advanced research findings, fostering a vibrant community. Members actively contribute to sustaining the Consortium’s impactful geothermal research, ensuring a shared journey towards groundbreaking discoveries and a greener future.
