DOE publishes RFI for development of renewable superhot geothermal energy technologies

The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) is soliciting information on technologies that use superhot enhanced geothermal power to supplement nationwide electric energy generation. Researchers and technologists have until Sept. 30, 2024, to respond to the Request for Information (RFI).

The RFI is interested in enabling and developing transformative technologies that use high-temperature geothermal resources to generate electric power. These “superhot” sources must be equal to or greater than 375 degrees Celsius to be viable options for power generation. The DOE could use applicable technologies to build high-temperature geothermal wells containing water in superhot states.

To date, while geothermal systems have been essential electricity providers, their development has lagged behind other sources of renewable energies such as wind and solar. Geothermal growth has stagnated primarily due to restrictions in where these systems can be built, as not all hydrothermal locations are suitable for power generation.

The DOE seeks to build wells designed for more extreme environments than are currently used. Existing technologies are meant for temperatures around 200 degrees Celsius, as higher temperatures rapidly degrade and corrode equipment. Taking advantage of superhot sources would net higher amounts of generated power in more geographical locations that were previously unfeasible.

The RFI divides its questions into four sections:

· Section 1 covers what transformational technologies are needed to implement superhot geothermal systems for sustainable, long-term benefit.

· Section 2 covers information regarding what innovative materials are needed to support equipment survivability in high-temperature, high-pressure, corrosive environments.

· Section 3 asks for additional insights into what will be needed to maintain superhot geothermal system operations and their supporting technologies.

· Section 4 requests any information that isn’t covered by the previous sections.

Participants should submit their responses in PDF format. The DOE will use the responses to shape future research programs in this field

Gretar Ívarsson – Edited by Fir0002, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons