Introduction to this special section: Geothermal energy

The Leading Edge
By: , and 

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Abstract

Geothermal energy is a global renewable resource that has the potential to provide a significant portion of baseload energy in many regions. In the United States, it has the potential to provide 8.5% of the electric generation capacity by the middle of the century. In general, geothermal systems require heat, permeability, and water to be viable for energy generation. However, with current technologies, only heat is strictly necessary in a native system. Engineered geothermal systems (EGS) introduce water into the subsurface at elevated pressures and reduced temperatures and enhance permeability through hydraulic and/or shear fracturing. Additionally, although moderate- to high-temperature resources currently dominate geothermal energy production, low-temperature resources have been utilized for direct-use cases. When well balanced and maintained, geothermal resources can produce significant amounts of heat and achieve long-term sustainability on the order of an estimated tens to hundreds of years.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Introduction to this special section: Geothermal energy
Series title The Leading Edge
DOI 10.1190/tle39120855.1
Volume 39
Issue 12
Year Published 2020
Language English
Publisher Society of Exploration Geophysicists
Contributing office(s) Earthquake Science Center
Description 2 p.
First page 855
Last page 856
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