Advances in enhanced geothermal systems: Integrating laboratory, numerical and field insights

Abstract

An enhanced geothermal system is a designed and engineered thermal reservoir that has been deliberately stimulated to extract economically viable amounts of heat from geothermal resources having no natural permeability. Enhanced geothermal system projects are typically initiated to meet the industrial production standards, usually via techniques such as chemical stimulation, hydraulic fracturing, or thermal processes to enhance the permeability of the reservoir. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the current advancements in enhanced geothermal system through a comprehensive examination of laboratory experiments, numerical simulation, and fieldwork investigations from numerous studies that are insufficient captures and combined by current open literature. This study highlighted the critical importance of precisely developing fracture systems, whether natural or artificially induced, in ensuring the effectiveness of such projects. Notably, hydraulic fracturing techniques have been proven instrumental in enhancing the performance of enhanced geothermal systems. On the contrary, research conducted through numerical simulations has demonstrated consistent findings that it is beneficial to enhance the permeability of low-permeability rock for the efficient use of enhanced geothermal systems. Additionally, this study has highlighted the intricate and expensive nature of designing enhanced geothermal systems due to uncertainties in subsurface conditions especially from projects that are in initial stages of development. This study enables researchers and operators to improve the efficiency and safety of geothermal energy extraction, paving the way for more sustainable enhanced geothermal system projects in the future.