All Entries in the "Research" Category
Research leads to product, leads to start up
In Minnesota, researchers at the University of Minnesota Department of Earth Sciences have applied for a patent, and plan to form a start-up company to commercialize new technology that will sequester CO2 deep underground while extracting heat. The concept, called CO2-plume geothermal system (CPG) was developed by Earth sciences faculty member Martin Saar and graduate [...]
GTP looking to advance geothermal resource development
In Washington D.C., the U.S. Department of Energy’s Geothermal Technologies Program (GTP) will issue in June a Funding Opportunity Announcement to expand its partnership with the geothermal community on geothermal systems research and development in the U.S. to support GTP’s goal of lowering the cost of geothermal energy to 6 ¢/kWh. This Notice of Intent [...]
Advanced condenser from NREL boosts power plant output
In Colorado, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has produced a case study discussing its development of advanced direct-contact condenser (ADCC) technology to condense spent steam more effectively. NREL drew upon previous condenser research related to ocean thermal energy conversion to develop the technology, which, when implemented, increased power production efficiency in Unit 11 by [...]
Making true baseload power with Geocogen
In Switzerland, Craig Hesser, CEO of Geocogen, says the primary problem with geothermal processes is that of scale. Currently, systems use an oil well-like pipe to transport the heat, generally as hot water or steam, to the surface. He says the mechanical limitations of the technology restrict it to a maximum depth of about 4 [...]
80% of world’s energy needs could be met by renewables by 2050
In Abu Dhabi, a comprehensive report by 120 researchers working with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states that close to 80% of the world‘s energy supply could be met by renewables by mid-century, if backed by the right enabling public policies. The findings also indicate that the rising penetration of renewable energies could [...]
Global geothermal energy market predictions through 2014
In Illinois, market research firm TechNavio finds that markets across the globe are looking at ways to increase their geothermal energy portfolio. The company’s “Global Geothermal Energy Market 2010-2014” report is prepared based on an in-depth study of the market along with inputs from various experts. The report contains market and vendor landscape supported by [...]
Geothermal research centre opened in Queensland
In Australia, opening ceremonies for the Queensland Geothermal Energy Centre of Excellence (QGECE) at the University of Queensland, Queensland have taken place. Energy Minister Stephen Robertson said the centre was playing a key role in the State Government’s renewable energy strategy. “Geothermal has a bright future in Queensland because it has the potential to produce [...]
Geo-exchange research underway in Oklahoma City subdivision
In Oklahoma, a consortium of more than a dozen geothermal companies is testing technology at eight homes in an Oklahoma City subdivision to see if geo-exchange systems can be made more affordable. The team is trying different equipment and methods of installing the systems. The first installation will use a new heat exchanger designed by [...]
Wisconsin to research granite formations
The Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey is looking for permission to drill a geothermal well in one of three spots in the Marathon County in order to determine the potential of using geothermal energy to homes or even produce electricity. The 6-inch diameter research well would be drilled between 800 and 1,000 feet deep [...]
Ongoing LLNL research highlights energy waste
In California, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) first produced diagrams illustrating U.S. energy use in the mid-1970s. These energy flow charts continue to help scientists, analysts, and other decision makers to visualize the complex interrelationships involved in powering the nation. LLNL researcher Juilo Friedmann dropped one into an article he submitted to The Atlantic that [...]
