Geothermal energy — energy right beneath our feet ― has an enormous potential with a proven Ultra Geothermal reliability to meet heating, cooling and flexible electricity generation demands. With a low carbon footprint, this largely untapped natural and renewable energy resource has the capacity for a sustainable and clean energy future.
Despite the power generating opportunities offered, exploitation of geothermal resources continues to remain a challenge relative to the conventional sources, often due to the high investment and operational costs of geothermal power plants. These issues stem from the techno-economic and environmental impacts of drilling wells to geothermal reservoirs, component failure due to the uncertainty of geothermal formations, including high reservoir temperatures, and the aggressive nature of geofluids.
Building on its expertise and knowledge in coatings, material properties and performance, plant management, and joining technologies, TWI pioneers geothermal energy research by providing solutions to help improve flexibility and efficiency of geothermal systems, while reducing plant operational costs, including provision of holistic approaches for cheap and efficient drilling solutions.
GeoCoat: Developing Next Generation Coatings for Geothermal Power Plant
GeoCoat-Logo-with-ImageLed by TWI, the project aims to develop novel high performance, specialised corrosion- and erosion-resistant coatings for exceptionally harsh environments. These high performance corrosion and erosion resistant coatings are based on selected high entropy alloys (HEAs) and ceramic/metal mixtures (Cermets) to be applied through high velocity oxy fuel (HVOF) thermal spray, electro spark deposition (ESD), electroless plating, and laser cladding.
Geo-Drill: Holistic Drilling Solutions for Cheaper Geothermal Power
GeoDrill-Logo-with-ImageThe project aims to reduce the high costs associated with drilling by addressing the materials challenges associated with the wear and fracture of drilling components. The Geo-Drill concept is based on three technology pillars:
Reduced drilling cost through hydraulic DownTheHolefluid/mud hammer
Advanced drill monitoring through low-cost and robust 3D printed sensors
Improved component life through advanced materials and coatings
The strength of these technologies will be combined to meet the unified objective of developing novel drilling technologies that will significantly reduce the cost of deep geothermal drilling, with a targeted depth of 5 km and high temperatures of 250°C and above.
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