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European Technology and Innovation Platform on Geothermal (ETIP-Geothermal)
As the world intensifies its focus on renewable energy, innovative geothermal solutions are emerging to meet energy demands sustainably, securely, and affordably. From new exploration and drilling techniques, to better supply power and heat and groundbreaking lithium extraction, European companies are at the forefront of this transformation. Here’s a closer look at five trailblazing projects redefining geothermal energy.
Revolutionizing Drilling Efficiency: Canopus Drilling Solutions Geothermal BV (Netherlands), with the project Field pilot of the Directional Steel Shot Drilling technology at VersuchsStollen Hagerbach, CH.
The novel hybrid directional steel shot drilling (DSSD) technology developed by Canopus drills up to three times faster than pure PDC drilling while steering through any rock type and at any depth. Firstly, the impact on the rate of penetration was tested at the full-scale drill test facility at TNO RCSG in NL. Secondly, a field pilot was done at VersuchsStollen Hagerbach (VSH, CH) in June-July 2023. That pilot demonstrated the steering with DSSD by drilling two shallow horizontals of 125 m in length each.
The project was done as part of the Deploy the Heat project www.deploitheheat.eu (Joint Call Geothermica SES 2021).
Unlocking Hot Reservoirs: Deutsche Erdwärme GmbH (Germany), with the project Geothermal Well GN-Th-1 (Geothermal Project Graben-Neudorf).
The geothermal project of Deutsche Erdwärme GmbH in Graben-Neudorf, in SW-Germany (Baden Württemberg) has demonstrated for the first time in the Upper Rhine Graben the innovative application of silicate drilling fluid systems in combination with an offshore mud cooler technology to successfully cope with very hot subsurface temperatures in challenging reactive geological formations enabling the successful exploration of fractured reservoirs in a temperature environment of up to 205°C.
Powering Efficiency in High-Flow Applications: Halliburton (Netherlands), with the project GeoESP Intake: Geothermal Electric Submersible Pumps (ESP) Intake.
The GeoESP Intake leverages technologies from the oil and gas and medical industries to reduce power consumption in some cases by over 30% for Geothermal Electric Submersible Pumps (ESP) in high-flow geothermal applications (> 92 lt/s). The GeoESP Intake design for a variety of applications has remained practically unchanged for decades till 2023. GeoIntake improves geothermal applications by:
Breaking Barriers in Deep Geothermal Drilling: HydroVolve UK Ltd (United Kingdom), with the project The GeoVolve HYPERDRIVE
For the past ten years, HydroVolve has been researching and developing a downhole engine capable of operating continuously and reliably in the harshest of downhole environments. This has resulted in the development of the GeoVolve HYPERDRIVE, a high-performance, high-integrity percussive drilling system. In its first trial well deployments in 2023, the Hyperdrive has been proven to reduce rig time costs by increasing the rate of penetration while also reducing costs associated with flat time tripping to replace dull bits and reduced bit cost due to fewer bit deployments. This technology breaks down drilling performance limitations while overcoming the technical challenges associated with drilling deep, hard rock formations.
Green Lithium for Europe: Vulcan Energie Ressourcen GmbH (Germany), with the project Lithium Extraction Optimization Plant (LEOP) to produce green lithium in Europe.
The Upper Rhine Graben deep reservoirs contain lithium. The brine produced is cooled to use the energy for the extraction process and to supply energy to customers. The cooled brine is filtered through an adsorption process, a physical method of Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE). When filled, the adsorbent is rinsed with clean water. The eluate then contains lithium chloride (LiCl) and a few impurities. The eluate is purified and condensed. After these steps, 40% LiCl is contained in 60% of water. This pre-product is then trucked to Frankfurt-Höchst chemical park to refine the LiCl to Lithiumhydroxide, a product used in batteries. The LEOP is a pre-commercial stage plant that trains personnel and optimises the process.
The vibrant city of Pisa, Italy, hosted the ETIP Geothermal Annual Conference 2023 from November 21 to 22, where members gathered for two days of enriching discussions and valuable insights. Attendees seized the opportunity to connect with industry peers, share ideas, and participate in engaging social activities.
The conference featured a robust agenda full of insightful presentations and funding discussions, making it a pivotal event in the geothermal energy sector. Throughout the two days, participants delved into groundbreaking research and innovation results across various sessions.
Discover the presentations available below!
Day 1 – Tuesday, 21 of November 2023
Discover ETIP Geothermal and its activities
Towards a Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda on Geothermal Technologies
Working Group activities 2022-2023
A Vision for Geothermal in 2040-2050
Funding opportunities for R&I in geothermal
Review of R&I project results
A segment of the conference was dedicated to the presentation of eight project results from the Call for Presentation. This session provided a platform for sharing the outcomes of cutting-edge projects, contributing to the collective knowledge of the geothermal community.
Day 2 – Wednesday, 22 of November 2023
Roundtable discussion on Research and Innovation to accelerate the geothermal market deployment
Specifically, the conference highlighted advancements in geothermal projects’ to de-risk through innovations such as closed-loop and single wells technologies. Another focal point was the innovation in high-temperature heat pumps, showcasing the latest developments in this critical aspect of geothermal energy systems.
Session Updates on innovation: Closed loop systems
Session Updates on innovation: High-temperature Heat Pumps
Geothermal Facilities Symposium
Overall, the ETIP Geothermal Annual Conference 2023 proved to be an essential conference for industry professionals, fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and a collective vision for the future of geothermal energy.