I. What is a Subsurface Reservoir? A subsurface reservoir is a geological formation located beneath the Earth’s surface that contains fluids such as water, steam, or gas. These reservoirs are typically found at depths ranging from a few hundred meters to several kilometers below the surface. Subsurface reservoirs are crucial for various industries, including geothermal … Read more
I. What is a Supercritical Geothermal System? A Supercritical Geothermal System is a type of geothermal energy technology that harnesses the heat from the Earth’s core to generate electricity. Unlike traditional geothermal systems that rely on hot water or steam from shallow depths, supercritical geothermal systems tap into much hotter temperatures and pressures found deeper … Read more
I. What is Geothermometry? Geothermometry is a scientific method used to determine the temperature of geothermal systems based on the chemical composition of fluids and rocks. This technique plays a crucial role in the exploration and development of geothermal energy resources. By understanding the temperature distribution within a geothermal reservoir, engineers and geoscientists can optimize … Read more
I. What is Hot Dry Rock (HDR)? Hot Dry Rock (HDR) geothermal energy is a type of geothermal energy that involves extracting heat from deep underground rocks that do not contain any naturally occurring water. Unlike traditional geothermal energy, which relies on naturally occurring hot water or steam, HDR geothermal energy involves creating artificial reservoirs … Read more
I. What is a Heat Reservoir? A heat reservoir is a large body of rock or water underground that stores heat energy. In geothermal energy systems, heat reservoirs are used to extract heat from the Earth’s core and convert it into usable energy. These reservoirs can be found at varying depths below the Earth’s surface … Read more
I. What is a Hot Aquifer? A hot aquifer is a geological formation that contains a reservoir of hot water or steam underground. These aquifers are typically found in areas where there is significant heat flow from the Earth’s interior, such as near tectonic plate boundaries or volcanic regions. The hot water in these aquifers … Read more
I. What is a Hybrid Geothermal System? A hybrid geothermal system is a type of heating and cooling system that combines the benefits of both geothermal and traditional HVAC systems. Geothermal systems use the constant temperature of the earth to heat and cool a building, while traditional HVAC systems rely on electricity or gas to … Read more
I. What is Geothermal Heat Extraction? Geothermal heat extraction is the process of harnessing heat from the Earth’s core to generate energy. The Earth’s core is incredibly hot, with temperatures reaching up to 9,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This heat is continuously produced by the decay of radioactive isotopes in the Earth’s mantle and crust. Geothermal heat … Read more
I. What is District Heating? District heating is a system that provides heat to multiple buildings or residential units from a centralized source. Instead of each building having its own individual heating system, district heating allows for a more efficient and cost-effective way to distribute heat. The heat is typically generated from a central plant … Read more
I. What is the Geothermal Loan Guarantee Program? The Geothermal Loan Guarantee Program is a government initiative aimed at supporting the development of geothermal energy projects in the United States. The program provides loan guarantees to eligible geothermal energy developers, helping them secure financing for their projects. By offering this financial support, the program aims … Read more
