Geothermal Energy's Future: EGS Impact On US.pdf

Impact of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) on the United States in the 21st Century," is an assessment by an MIT-led interdisciplinary panel. Key points include:

- Motivation & Scope: The report aims to evaluate the potential of EGS to contribute to the U.S. energy mix, focusing on technical, economic, and environmental aspects.

- EGS Definition: Enhanced Geothermal Systems are designed to access geothermal resources in hot, dry rock formations where conventional geothermal methods are not feasible.

- U.S. Geothermal Resource Base: The U.S. has significant geothermal resources, with a technically recoverable portion estimated at around 13,000 TWh.

- Geothermal Drilling Technology & Costs: Drilling technology and costs are critical factors in EGS development. Advances in drilling techniques and materials can reduce costs and improve efficiency.

- EGS Reservoir Stimulation: International field testing and design issues related to reservoir stimulation are discussed. Successful stimulation is crucial for creating and maintaining permeability in EGS reservoirs.

- Geothermal Energy Conversion Technology: Various technologies for converting geothermal energy into electricity are reviewed, including flash, binary, and hybrid systems.

- Environmental Attributes of EGS: EGS is considered environmentally friendly, with low greenhouse gas emissions and minimal land use. However, potential impacts on water resources and induced seismicity should be managed carefully.

- Economic Feasibility Issues for EGS: The economic viability of EGS depends on factors such as drilling costs, power prices, and government incentives. Current EGS projects are not yet cost-competitive with conventional power generation methods.

The report concludes with references and a detailed executive summary, highlighting the potential of EGS as a clean, domestic energy source for the United States in the 21st century.