The quest for sustainable energy solutions is taking an innovative turn with the renewed focus on Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), particularly in the context of harnessing hot dry rock (HDR). A recent review published in ‘工程科学学报’ (Journal of Engineering Science) sheds light on the challenges and opportunities associated with EGS, a technology that has been under development for over five decades.
Lead author Fang-chao Kang from the Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology emphasizes the significance of this research in shaping the future of geothermal energy. “The commercialization of EGS is crucial for reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to a more sustainable energy structure,” he states. Despite the cumulative number of EGS projects reaching 41 globally by the end of 2021, the installed capacity for power generation remains a modest 37.41 MW. This highlights the need for a strategic approach to overcome the hurdles that have hindered large-scale deployment.
The review outlines the historical evolution of EGS, dividing its development into two distinct phases: the research and development stage before 2000 and the demonstration and quasi-commercialization stage since then. While the latter has seen a rapid increase in project numbers, the journey toward effective commercialization is fraught with challenges. Key factors include insufficient policy support, limited capital investment, and the unpredictable geological conditions of thermal reservoirs. “The complexity of geological environments leads to uncontrollable fracture networks, which ultimately undermines the efficiency of EGS projects,” Kang explains.
Moreover, the review identifies the urgent need for a comprehensive database of HDR and EGS to establish a quantitative system for understanding reservoir geological conditions. This could pave the way for developing reproducible thermal reservoir stimulation technologies, a vital step towards making EGS a viable energy source. Innovative projects like the Enhanced Geothermal System based on caving technology (EGS-E), FORGE, and DEEPEGS are highlighted as potential breakthroughs in this field.
As the energy sector grapples with the dual pressures of climate change and energy demand, the advancements in EGS could play a pivotal role. By unlocking deep geothermal resources, EGS not only contributes to energy diversification but also opens avenues for co-mining geothermal and mineral resources, enhancing economic viability.
The implications of this research extend beyond academic circles, potentially influencing policy decisions and investment strategies in the energy sector. As Kang notes, “The future development direction of EGS can help explore deep geothermal energy and construct demonstration projects, particularly in regions like China, where geothermal potential remains largely untapped.”
With its potential to reshape energy production, the findings from this review could signal a new era for geothermal energy, making it a cornerstone of a sustainable energy future. For more insights, you can visit lead_author_affiliation.
