Program Overview
The Geothermal Systems Program is focused on two research thrusts:
1. Developing innovative technologies for identifying and characterizing conventional and hidden natural hydrothermal systems
Typically, “hidden” hydrothermal systems are deep, fault-hosted circulating systems in which surface manifestations have either been modified (obscuring deeper high temperatures) or are nonexistent. Our main research avenues in this thrust include: chemical geothermometry through multicomponent analysis; subsurface characterization using joint inversion of coupled geophysical attributes; locating and mapping surface fluid flux; and play fairway analysis of prospective geothermal regions to identify geothermal systems and better constrain resource potential.
2. Characterizing, developing, and sustaining enhanced geothermal systems through the use of coupled process models, microearthquake (MEQ) monitoring, and laboratory studies
In this thrust we are developing approaches to implement, monitor, and model enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), where hot rock permeability is artificially created or enhanced through hydraulic, thermal, and/or chemical stimulation. Berkeley Lab has played a major role in coupled process modeling and induced seismicity monitoring of several DOE-EGS demonstration projects. The EGS Collab Project is designed to test novel modeling, characterization, monitoring, and stimulation methods at intermediate field scales–methods which can be applied at DOE’s Frontier Observatory for Geothermal Energy (FORGE).
In addition, the Berkeley Lab’s Geothermal Program has recently diversified to include a wider range of research and development activities, including direct use applications such as brine desalination, mineral recovery, district heating and cooling, and thermal-reservoir energy storage. The expertise gained over decades of experience in our geothermal program is applicable to emerging science areas such as EESA’s research into subsurface urban geo-systems.
Expertise, Techniques, and Equipment
Our expertise, techniques, and equipment is categorized into three main areas and encompasses theoretical, laboratory, and field studies, with an emphasis on multidisciplinary approaches.
Geophysical techniques for subsurface imaging and joint inversion
- Imaging reservoir stimulation, subsurface structures, alteration, and fluids
- Improved imaging resolution
- Coupled data inversion and analysis (acoustic, EM, rock physics)
- Monitoring, analysis, and mitigation of induced seismicity
Geochemical, geomechanical, and isotope techniques for tracing fluid-rock histories (fluid flow)
- Multicomponent geothermometry to predict subsurface reservoir temperatures
- Isotopic signatures to identify sources of geothermal fluids
- Reactive transport in fractured media
- Geochemical impact on permeability, physical properties of rocks
- Flow path engineering (creation, mitigation)
- Improved tracer technology (natural and injected tracers)
Reservoir engineering and coupled process modeling
- Predictive, inverse, and process models
- Coupled Thermal-Hydrologic-Mechanical-Chemical processes
- TOUGH family of codes
News Highlights
- Geothermal Brines Could Propel California’s Green Economy (2020)
- Berkeley Lab To Partner with International Collaborators in Geothermal Energy Research (2020)
- Geothermal Group Takes their Research Up a Level (2019)
- Tool Created at GMF Enables Unprecedented Look at Subsurface Rock Fractures (2018)
- Berkeley Lab Scientists Study Rock Fracture in Connection with Enhanced Geothermal Systemss (2018)
- Revolutionizing Geothermal Energy Research (2018)
- Berkeley Lab to Lead Multimillion Geothermal Energy Project (2017)
- Mack Kennedy Receives Geothermal Special Achievement Award (2017)
- Cross-Border Collaborations in Geothermal Energy Research (2017)
Publication Highlights
- Creation of a mixed-mode fracture network at meso-scale through hydraulic fracturing and shear stimulation. Submitted to Journal of Geophysical Research-Solid Earth, 2020
- Analysis of curtailment at The Geysers geothermal Field, California. Geothermics, 2020
- Joint opening or hydroshearing? Analyzing a fracture zone stimulation at Fenton Hill. Geothermics, 2019
- How to sustain a CO2-thermosiphon in a partially saturated geothermal reservoir: Lessons learned from field experiment and numerical modeling. Geothermics, 2018
- Influence of injection-induced cooling on deviatoric stress and shear reactivation of preexisting fractures in Enhanced Geothermal Systems. Geothermics, 2017
- Play-fairway analysis for geothermal resources and exploration risk in the Modoc Plateau region. Geothermics, 2017
- Utilizing supercritical geothermal systems: a review of past ventures and ongoing research activities. Geothermal Energy, 2017
- Regional crustal-scale structures as conduits for deep geothermal upflow. Geothermics, 2016
- The Northwest Geysers EGS Demonstration Project, California: Pre-stimulation Modeling and Interpretation of the Stimulation. Mathematical Geosciences, 2015
- Resistivity characterization of the Krafla and Hengill geothermal fields through 3D MT inverse modeling. Geothermics, 2015
Acknowledgments
Support for the Geothermal Systems Program is provided principally by the DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Geothermal Technologies Office, with additional contributions from other sponsors contracted with industry partners.
