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Breadcrumb

  1. Research
  2. Energy Resiliency
  3. Renewable Energy
  4. Geothermal Energy

Geothermal
Energy

Harvesting the
Earth’s natural heat

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When it comes to the nation’s future power needs, geothermal energy checks many critical boxes. A renewable resource, it produces no greenhouse emissions and has a low environmental impact. Geothermal energy can be harnessed without importing fuel, and it produces energy around the clock; it could pave the way to increasing the nation’s energy independence.

With a decades-long history of researching and applying renewable energy sources, PNNL supports the U.S. Department of Energy’s Geothermal Technologies Office in growing the use of geothermal energy. PNNL projects related to these efforts include developing materials and methodologies that allow for improved reservoir characterization, well cement integrity and co-production technologies. Research also focuses on improving efficiency and reducing cost of low-temperature heat engines through enhanced working fluids, and on decreasing water use for stimulating rock shearing in enhanced geothermal systems (EGS).

Extraction through innovation

Using geophysical techniques and modeling capabilities, PNNL is characterizing potential geothermal sites and evaluating their capacity for long-term energy production. One of these sites is the Newberry Volcano, located in central Oregon, one of the largest geothermal heat reservoirs in the western United States. NEWGEN, a public-private consortium, is developing a new concept of super-hot EGS at this volcano with very high-temperature wells (above 450C). The project aims to test more efficient and innovative ways to extract underground heat where conventional geothermal power generation isn’t possible.

Ultimately, PNNL’s goal is to develop technologies that can better capture, extract, and convert heat from the Earth, making the energy produced more competitive in the marketplace compared to other sources of electricity. This will promote a more reliable, sustainable power grid, and increase the strength and productivity of the U.S. economy.

Recent News

DECEMBER 8, 2020
Web Feature

PNNL Builds Apparatus to Test Fracturing Fluids

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OCTOBER 2, 2020
News Release

PNNL Technologies Garner Six R&D 100 Honors

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R&D 100 Resize
JULY 23, 2020
Web Feature

Targeting the Perfect MOF Cooling Combination

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Radha Kishan Motkuri
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Related Capabilities

Earth Systems Science & Engineering
Environmental Subsurface Science
Advanced Computer Science, Visualization, & Data
SEE ADDITIONAL CAPABILITIES

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Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is managed and operated by Battelle for the Department of Energy
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