Geothermal Research
Highlights
The Geothermal Research Consortium (GRC) leads pioneering research in geothermal energy, focusing on advanced technologies and methodologies to improve efficiency, sustainability, and scalability of geothermal systems. Our diverse portfolio includes Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), reservoir engineering optimization, and environmental impact mitigation. Collaborating with industry and academia, we push the boundaries of geothermal science to unleash its full potential as a clean, renewable energy source.
Utah FORGE
Fervo EGS Pilot Demonstration
This pilot within the Milford Renewable Energy Corridor in Utah and adjacent to the DOE’s Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy (FORGE) field laboratory aims to produce at least 8 megawatts of power from each of three wells at a site with no existing commercial geothermal power production.
Red Rocks DAC Hub
Red Rocks DAC Hub: A Geothermal Energy-Driven Direct Air Carbon Capture and Sequestration Hub in Southwest Utah — Fervo Energy Company (Houston, Texas) intends to establish the Red Rocks DAC Hub in southwest Utah. Fervo’s geothermal and carbon sequestration exploration and resource characterization activities suggest that there is more than 10 gigawatts of high-quality, economically exploitable geothermal resources available in southwest Utah, which could translate into a storage potential of up to 100 million tons of CO2 annually.
Chevron New Energies
This EGS pilot demonstration will use innovative drilling and stimulation techniques to access geothermal energy near an existing geothermal field in Sonoma County in northern California.
Research Portfolio
The Geothermal Research Consortium (GRC) leads pioneering research in geothermal energy. Our research focuses on developing cutting-edge technologies and methodologies that enhance geothermal system efficiency, sustainability, and scalability. For example, we explore advanced Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) and optimize geothermal reservoir engineering.
Additionally, we address environmental impacts. By collaborating closely with industry leaders and academic institutions, we push the boundaries of geothermal science. Thus, we aim to unlock the full potential of this clean and renewable energy source. Our research not only contributes to academic knowledge but also drives practical solutions. These solutions address global energy challenges and pave the way for a future powered by reliable and sustainable geothermal energy.
Resource Assessment
We evaluate geothermal potential and viability, thereby guiding strategic research investments efficiently.
Advanced Drilling and Stimulation
We innovate techniques that enhance geothermal resource access. As a result, we boost extraction efficiency and output.
Fracture Network Characterization and Monitoring
Our work involves mapping and tracking subsurface fractures. Consequently, we enhance geothermal system understanding and resource management.
Induced Seismicity Assessment
We evaluate seismic risks to ensure that geothermal energy extraction is both safe and environmentally responsible.
Heat Recovery Optimization
We focus on enhancing heat extraction techniques to maximize geothermal energy efficiency and sustainability.
Fluid-Rock Interactions
We analyze how fluids interact with rocks. Thus, we improve geothermal system efficiency and longevity.
Geothermal for Energy Storage
We develop efficient methods to use geothermal energy for storing and enhancing renewable energy reliability and stability.
Building Heating and Cooling
We discover innovative solutions for efficient geothermal building heating and cooling systems.
Help Us Advance Geothermal Research
Join us in advancing geothermal energy research to shape a sustainable future. Together, we’re pushing boundaries, exploring innovative methods to enhance geothermal production. Your expertise will help drive groundbreaking discoveries, accelerating our journey towards a cleaner, more efficient energy landscape. Take action now and be a catalyst for geothermal innovation.
Publications
| Year | Publication |
|---|---|
| 2018 | Pranay Asai, Palash Panja, John McLennan, Joseph Moore, 2018, Performance Evaluation of Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS): Surrogate models, Sensitivity study and Ranking Key Parameters, Renewable Energy, 122, 184-195, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2018.01.098 Download |
| 2018 | Pranay Asai, Palash Panja, Raul Velasco, John McLennan, Joseph Moore, 2018, Fluid Flow Distribution in Fractures for a Doublet System in Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), Geothermics, 75, 171–179 Download |
| 2019 | Pranay Asai, Palash Panja, John McLennan, Joseph Moore, 2019, Efficient Workflow for Simulation of Multifractured Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), Renewable Energy, 131, 763-777 Download |
| 2019 | Pranay Asai, Palash Panja, John McLennan, Milind Deo, 2019, Effect of Different Flow Schemes on Heat Recovery from Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), Energy, 175, 667-676 Download |
| 2020 | Moore, J., (2020). The Utah FORGE: An International Laboratory for Advancing Enhanced Geothermal Development, AAPG Explorer Link |
| 2020 | Moore, J., McLennan, J., Kristine PANKOW, Podgorney, R., Simmons, S.,Wannamaker, P., Jones, C., Rickard, W., Barker, B., Hardwick, C., Kirby, S., (2020) Overview of Utah Forge Results in 2019, Stanford Geothermal Workshop. Link |
| 2020 | Simmons, S., Kirby, S., Allis, R., Moore, J. (2020) Production Chemistry Evidence for an EGS-type Reservoir in Roosevelt Hot Springs and Implications for Utah FORGE, Stanford Geothermal Workshop Link |
| 2020 | Wannamaker, P., Simmons, S., Miller, J., Hardwick, C., Erickson, B., Bowman, S., Kirby, S., Feigl, K., & Moore. J. (2020) Geophysical Activities Over the Utah FORGE Site at the Outset of Project Phase 3. Link |
| 2020 | Xing, P., Winkler, D., Rickard, B., Barker, B., Finnila, A., Ghassemi, A., Pankow, K., Podgorney, R., Moore, J., McLennan, J. (2020) Interpretation of In-Situ Injection Measurements at the FORGE Site, Stanford Geothermal Workshop. Link |
| 2020 | Palash Panja, Sid Green, John McLennan,2020, Temperature and Pressure Profiles for Geothermal Battery Energy Storage in Sedimentary Basins, 54th US Rock Mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium (ARMA 2020), 28 June–1 July, Golden, Colorado, USA Download |
| 2021 | Simmons, S., Allis, R., Kirby, S. Moore, J., P. Fischer, T., (2021) Interpretation of hydrothermal conditions, production-injection induced effects, and evidence for enhanced geothermal system-type heat exchange in response to >30 years of production at Roosevelt Hot Springs, Utah, USA. Geosphere 2021; 17 (6): 1997–2026. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/GES02348.1 Link |
| 2021 | Xing, P., Damjanac, B., Moore, J., McLennan, J. (2021) Flowback Test Analyses at the Utah Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy (FORGE) Site. Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, doi.org/10.1007/s00603-021-02604-x, Link |
| 2021 | Xing, P., Damjanac, B., Radakovic-Guzina, Z., Finnila, A., Podgorney, R., Moore, J., McLennan, J. (2021) Numerical Simulation of Injection Tests at Utah FORGE Site, Workshop on Geothermal Reservoir Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California.16-18, Link |
| 2021 | Simmons, S. (2021) Geothermal Resources, Encyclopedia of Geology (2), 708-722. doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-409548-9.12546-1. Link |
| 2021 | McLennan, J. (2021) Drilling FORGE Well 16A(78)-32: Advancing the EGS Agenda, U.S. Department of Energy Geothermal Technologies Office, Link |
| 2021 | Pengju, X.,Winkler, D., Swearingen, L., Moore, J., McLennan, J. In-Situ Stresses and Permeability Measurements from Testings in Injection Well 16A (78)-32 at Utah FORGE Site. Link |
| 2021 | Xing, P., Damjanac, B., Radakovic-Guzina, Z., Finnila, A., Podgorney, R., Moore, J., McLennan, J., (2021). Numerical Investigation of Stimulation from the Injection Well at Utah FORGE Site, Geothermal Resources Council, 45, 885-898, 0193-5933 Link |
| 2021 | Sidney Green, John Mclennan, Palash Panja, Kevin Kitz, Richard Allis, Joseph Moore, 2021, Geothermal Battery Energy Storage, Renewable Energy, Volume 164, 777-790, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2020.09.083 Download |
| 2021 | Palash Panja, Sid Green, John McLennan, 2021, Influence of Permeability Anisotropy and Heterogeneity on Geothermal Energy Battery Storage, Geothermics, Volume 90, 101998 Download |
| 2021 | Palash Panja, Sid Green, John McLennan, 2021, Impact of Heterogeneity in Permeability on Geothermal Battery Energy Storage, Advances in Geo-Energy Research, 5(2) Download |
| 2021 | Palash Panja, Sidney Green, Milind Deo, Richard Allis, Richard Newhart, Kevin Kitz, Joseph Moore, John McLennan, 2021, Multi-Layer Reservoir Thermal Energy Storage in the Uinta Basin, ARMA 21-21, 55th US Rock Mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium (ARMA 2021), 18-25 June, Houston, Texas, USA Download |
| 2022 | Asai, P., Podgorney, R., McLennan, J., Deo, M., & Moore, J. (2022). Analytical model for fluid flow distribution in an Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS). Renewable Energy. Vol. 193, pp. 821-831. |
| 2022 | McLennan, J. (2022) Utah FORGE Well 16A (78)-32 Stimulation Data (April), United States. doi.org/10.15121/1871203 |
| 2022 | Paronish, T., Crandall, D., Moore, J. E. , McKisic, T., Mitchell, N., Brown, S.R ., Tennant,B., Workman, S., Edelman,E., McPherson, B., Esser, R., (2022). Core Characterization of the Cane Creek Interval in the Paradox Formation from the State 16-2 Well, National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), (July). |
| 2022 | Phelan, Z., Xing, P., Panja, P., Moore, J., & McLennan, J. (2022). Prediction of Formation Properties Based on Drilling Data of Geothermal Wells at Utah FORGE Site Using Machine Learning, 56th US Rock Mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium (ARMA 2022) OnePetro. Santa Fe, New Mexico, 26-29 (June). |
| 2022 | Rutledge, J. & Dyer, B, Bethmann, F., Meier, P., Pankow, K., Wannamaker, P., Moore, J. (2022). Downhole microseismic monitoring of injection stimulations at the Utah FORGE EGS Site. Proceedings of the 56th U.S. Rock Mechanics Symposium. Vol. 22. Santa Fe, New Mexico, 26-29 (June). |
| 2022 | Tao, L., Han, J., Feng, Y. & McLennan, J.D. (2022). Study on the Alteration of Pore Parameters of Shale with Different Natural Fractures under Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Seepage. Minerals, 12. doi.org/10.3390/min12060660 |
| 2022 | Xing, P., Wray, A., Ignacio Velez Artega, E., Finnila, A., Moore, J., Jones, C., Borchardt, E., McLennan. J., (2022) In-situ Stresses and Fractures Inferred from Image Logs at Utah FORGE. Stanford Geothermal Workshop (Feb.) Link |
| 2022 | Xing, P., McLennan, J., Moore. (2022) Minimum in-situ stress measurement using temperature signatures. Geothermics, 98, doi.org/10.1016/j.geothermics.2021.102282. Link |
| 2023 | Xing, P., Damjanac, B., Radakovic-Guzina, Z., Torres, M., Finnila, A., Podgorney, R., Moore, J., McLennan, J., (2023) Comparison of Modeling Results with Data Recorded During Field Stimulations at Utah FORGE Site. Stanford Geothermal Workshop (Feb.) Link |
| 2023 | Ahmed, W., Bhat, G. M., Hafiz,M., Hakhoo, N., Kanungo, S., McLennan, J., Richards, B., Thusu, B., Tran, T. (2023). Geomechanical characterization of the Barren Measure Formation in the Raniganj subbasin of Damodar Basin, India, GSI-D-23-00349R3 |
| 2023 | Davis, R., Panja, P., & McLennan, J. (2023). Integrated Workflow for Interpretation of Satellite Imageries using Machine Learning to Predict Algal Bloom in Utah Lake, USA, 75,102033, Ecological Informatics, doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoinf.2023.102033 |
| 2023 | Jones, C., England, K., Simmons, S., Rose, P., Mella, M., Barker, B., McLennan, J., Moore, J. (2023). Stimulation, Tracers and Geochemistry at Utah FORGE. Stanford Geothermal Workshop, Stanford University, Stanford, California (Feb.) Link |
| 2023 | McCormack, K. L., McLennan, J. D., Jagniecki, E. A., & McPherson, B. J. (2023). Discrete Measurements of the Least Horizontal Principal Stress from Core Data: An Application of Viscoelastic Stress Relaxation. SPE Reservoir Evaluation & Engineering, 1-15. |
| 2023 | McCormack, K. L., Zoback, M. D., Frederiksen, A. W., & Dvory, N. Z. (2023). Shear-Wave Anisotropy Measurements in the Crust from Receiver Functions: An Interplay of Lower and Upper Crustal Anisotropy. Geosciences, 13(3), 79. |
| 2023 | McCormack, K. L. & Dvory, N. (2023). Adaptive model selection for the maximum magnitude event during injection. Seismological Society of America. |
| 2023 | Moore, J. (2023). Current Activities at the Utah Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy (FORGE): A Laboratory for Characterizing, Creating and Sustaining Enhanced Geothermal Systems, 57th U.S. Rock Mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium, (June) DOI:10.56952/ARMA-2023-0749 |
| 2023 | Qin, Y., Li, J., Huang, L., Gao, K., Li, D., Chen, T., Bratton, T., El-kaseeh, G., Ampomah, W., Ispirescu, T., Cather, M., Balch, R., Zheng, Y., Tang, S., McCormack, K., & McPherson, B. (2023). Microseismic Monitoring at the Farnsworth CO2-EOR Field. Energies, 16(10), 4177. |
| 2023 | Simmons, S., Kirby, S., (2023) Mantle Helium in Cold Ground Water in the North Milford Valley and the Implications for Geothermal Resources at Roosevelt Hot Springs and the Utah FORGE EGS Field Site, Stanford Geothermal Workshop (Feb.) Link |
| 2023 | McLennan, J., England, K., Rose, P., Moore, J., and Ben B.. (2023). Stimulation of a High-Temperature Granitic Reservoir at the Utah FORGE Site. Paper presented at the SPE Hydraulic Fracturing Technology Conference and Exhibition, The Woodlands, Texas, (Jan.) Link |
| 2024 | Simmons, S., Jones, C., Kirby, S., Wannamaker, P., Pankow, K., Moore, J., (2024) The Interplay of Impermeable Crystalline Basement Rocks, Tectonic Fracturing and Magmatic Intrusion in the Development of Geothermal Resources at Utah FORGE and Roosevelt Hot Springs. Stanford Geothermal Workshop (May) Link |
| 2024 | Xing, P., England, K., Moore, J., Podgorney, R., McLennan, J., (2024) Analysis of Circulation Tests and Well Connections at the Utah FORGE. Stanford Geothermal Workshop (Feb.) Link |
| 2024 | Rose, P., McLennan, J., Jones, C., Simmons, S., England, K., (2024) Tracer Testing in Well 16B-32 at the Utah FORGE EGS Project. Stanford Geothermal Workshop (Feb.) Link |
| 2024 | Piyush Kumar Kumawat, Haiyan Zhou, Kevin Kitz, Kody Powell, Milind Deo, John McLennan, Palash Panja, 2024, Sensitivity Analysis of Borehole Thermal Energy Storage (BTES): Examining Key Factors for System Optimization, Energy Storage and Savings, Link |