Geothermal resources for energy transition
Geothermal energy is exploited in many countries of the world as either low/intermediate temperature resources (for building heating and cooling, district heating, greenhouses) or high temperature resources (for electricity generation). In general, electricity generation from geothermal energy remains poorly known to stakeholders, which require a better understanding of the challenges to ensure the energy transition to a low carbon society. In this context, geothermal resources provide renewable and clean energy to meet the Sustainable Development Goals.
High temperature geothermal resources are exploited through deep wells (1-5 km) drilled in reservoirs that can be highly heterogeneous volcanic complexes, sedimentary basins or old basement rocks. The reservoir permeability can be enhanced through different engineering techniques to improve productivity, although it may threaten social acceptability. Low/intermediate temperature resources are exploited with shallow (a few metres) or intermediate boreholes (up to 1 km) mostly providing heating and cooling capacity.
The main objective of this project is to promote the use of geothermal resources as a clean, low-carbon, base-load, and renewable energy by:
- increasing knowledge and understanding of deep geothermal reservoirs
- conducting outreach activities with focus groups and communities
- promoting the installation of geothermal heat pumps
Key information
Duration
2020-2024
IGCP Theme
Earth Resources
Project Leader
Universidad de Medellin, Colombia
Highlights
Animation cartoon series
IGCP 636 have released a series of animation videos in Spanish, covering the basics of geothermal energy for younger students. They were created with the support of Educación Virtual department of Universidad de MedellÃn.
GeotheRoom
The IGCP 636 project team launched the GeotheRoom, a free virtual interactive space in English, sharing the project’s research result and data, and knowledge of geothermal energy with students and professionals.
The project was presented at the Geological Association of Canada Annual Conference (Halifax, 16-17 May 2022).
This project was developed with the generous financial support of the Jeju Province Development Co. (JPDC).
