4 techniques to promote and exploit geothermal heat

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1. Geothermal drilling

Geothermal drilling represents one of the most traditional and effective methods of harnessing geothermal heat. This method involves drilling wells deep into the earth’s crust, extracting hot water or steam and piping it to the surface. This hot water or steam can then be used for various purposes, ranging from heating buildings to power generation and industrial processes. Although geothermal drilling requires significant initial investment and expertise, it provides a sustainable and reliable source of energy with low long-term operational costs.

2. Hydraulic stimulation

Hydraulic stimulation, also known as “stimulation of natural fractures”, is an advanced technique used to increase the permeability of geothermal reservoirs. In this method, water is injected under high pressure into the earth’s crust, enlarging existing cracks or creating new ones. This makes it easier for the hot water to flow through the rock and be directed to the surface, significantly improving the efficiency of geothermal wells.

Hydraulic stimulation is considered an important technological breakthrough that can further accelerate and expand the development of geothermal energy.

3. Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS)

Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) represent an advanced approach to geothermal energy extraction that holds promise for the future of renewable energy. EGS projects use deep underground rock layers to generate heat by circulating water through the rock. This is often achieved by creating boreholes and injecting water, which releases heat from the rock and transports it to the surface.

EGS technologies have the potential to make geothermal energy widely available, even in locations where traditional geothermal resources are inadequate, and can play an important role in the transition to a low-carbon energy future.

4. Thermal stimulation

Thermal stimulation is another widely used method of harnessing geothermal heat, in which steam or hot water is injected into geothermal reservoirs to increase the temperature and pressure. This increased temperature and pressure can accelerate the natural circulation of water in the reservoir and improve the efficiency of geothermal resources. Thermal stimulation has proven effective in increasing heat production from geothermal wells and can be a valuable tool in optimising the performance of geothermal power plants.

Measures

The above techniques make geothermal extraction easier. The government has taken several measures to encourage the use of geothermal heat. These are the most important ones:

• The government supports companies drilling for geothermal energy with the ‘Geothermal Energy Risk Coverage Scheme (RNES Geothermal Energy)‘. This scheme means that if a company has drilled unsuccessfully for geothermal energy, they can claim an expense allowance.
• The production of renewable energy, including geothermal heat, is encouraged through the ‘Sustainable Energy Production and Climate Transition Incentive Scheme (SDE++)‘.
• The so-called ‘SCAN programme‘ investigates where in the Netherlands the subsoil is suitable for geothermal heat to be extracted.

Working on your ESG-innovation together with Beeliners

Do you have a good idea for a product, service, process or technological innovation that makes it easier to achieve ESG goals? And would you like to develop your idea in collaboration with Beeliners? Beeliners has an innovation cell dedicated to innovations in energy and heating systems. Feel free to drop by for a cup of coffee and we will be happy to discuss the possibilities with you.