This course is based on a study by the Department of Energy (DOE) concerning the technological requirements of commercializing the geothermal technology, Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS). EGS have been proposed as a viable means of extracting the earth’s vast geothermal resources. Discussed are design aspects of enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), as opposed to conventional, naturally-occurring convective geothermal systems. The vast majority of geothermal energy within drilling reach is in dry non-porous rock. To convert this geologic medium into a viable geothermal resource requires fracturing the rock through a process called hydraulic stimulation, in order to improve fluid flow through the hot rock. Publication Source: DOE's Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI) #1219317, released 4/2008

Learning Objectives

• Introduction to Geothermal Energy
• Introduction to the Enhanced Geothermal Concept
• Assessment of the Assumptions in the MIT Study
• Geothermal and Recoverable Resources
• EGS Well Drilling
• Reservoir Creation, Operation, and Maintenance
• EGS Costs Evaluation
• Technology for EGS Reservoir Development
• Finding the Site – Site Characterization
• Finding the Site – Exploratory Well and Reservoir Characterization of the Well
• Creating the Reservoir – Injection Well
• Creating the Reservoir – Stimulation
• Completing the Well Field
• Operating and Maintaining the Reservoir