Assessing the potential for deep geothermal energy

Deep geothermal resources provide an enormous potential for emission-free energy and are already today a significant contributor among the renewable energy resources. Traditional use of geothermal energy has been limited to particular regions, but the res ource is available worldwide, although scientific and technical solutions are at crux of making the resource exploitable. Accurate modelling capabilities, and educated human resources, are prerequisites forthe deployment of deep geothermal energy extracti on in a commercial setting. In this project, we will consider modelling and simulation of both single-well and multi-well enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) for extraction of energy from deep geothermal reservoirs. A dry single-well system is a worst-cas e scenario in terms of energy extraction from a deep formation, but it forms a base case which is applicable almost anywhere. It is also the case which is predominant in Norwegian geology. Nevertheless, a deep geothermal system in a fluid saturated perme able formation has a greater potential for energy extraction since it opens for advective heat transport from the surroundings. With EGS, it is possible to fulfill a demand for CO$_2$ - neutral district heating in combination with power generation. Build ing on strong national competence in advanced drilling, reservoir characterization, and management, Norway has the possibility of taking an internationally leading position in the development of technology for enhanced geothermal systems. In this procject , we develop a fundamental understanding of the important physical processes as well as simulation technology to quantify the true potential of deep geothermal energy. The research will be conducted within the departments of Mathematics and Earth Science s at the University of Bergen, as well as at Physics of Geological Processes at theUniversity of Oslo.