Superhot Rock Energy Summit 2024: Global experts chart a path for a transformative new source of geothermal energy
The 2024 Superhot Rock Energy Summit, hosted by Clean Air Task Force (CATF), gathered research groups, innovators, and companies who are leading efforts to make this transformative new energy source a reality. Unlike conventional geothermal, superhot rock geothermal taps into hot dry rock where temperatures exceed 400°C, promising a much more powerful and consistent energy output anywhere it is needed. Superhot rock geothermal energy (SHR) is a potentially transformative energy technology, but achieving commercial viability will require collaboration and innovative thinking across the geothermal sector.
CATF, the leading NGO in this space, convened this summit to serve as a meeting point discussing the technical challenges involved in advancing SHR in an effort to further define the path forward and advance this paradigm-shifting potential clean energy source.
Creating a much-needed space for shared knowledge
A major focus of this summit was building relationships between global technology leaders. The summit offered a forum for the next-generation geothermal community to discuss learnings, approaches, and most importantly, shared challenges. This gathering not only allowed participants to discuss technical advancements and approaches but also helped to build relationships that will drive future collaborations. We were honored to have an ARPA-E Program Director, Dr. Robert Mellors, in attendance, who recently published a Request for Information on a SHR research program. The enthusiasm and shared commitment in the room was palpable – it is through these connections that real progress will be made.
We are talking about today, not a distant future
One of the highlights was the participation of three key companies: GNS Science, Mazama Energy, and Reykjavík Energy (Orkuveitan). Each presented plans for upcoming SHR demonstration projects. These companies are not new to geothermal, and their leaders have extensive experience in the projects that laid the groundwork for SHR’s current momentum. The presentation of these demonstration plans reminded summit participants that these discussions are not abstract and represent work primed to break ground soon.
We must build on proven methods while exploring novel solutions
The name-of-the-game for SHR projects today is to utilize subsurface equipment currently available. Immediate work focuses on testing and adjusting existing technologies. However, beyond optimizing what already exists, exploring and developing novel materials and methods will be important. Investment in both existing and innovative technologies could reduce costs and enhance equipment lifespan for superhot rock applications in the long-term.
We need standardization in three categories
One important takeaway was the need for standardization of processes at every stage of the technology development cycle. In various sessions, participants identified multiple ways in which standardization could improve their work in geothermal innovation. This would include standardization of testing procedures, standardization of data collection and recording methods, and eventually, cross-border sharing of best practices for project development. Consistent standards in these areas would facilitate more seamless multi-party collaboration and allow teams globally to build upon each other’s progress.
We need better systems for data sharing
Developing a global platform for information sharing also emerged as an important piece of the puzzle. Effective platforms for data sharing can allow researchers and industry leaders to pool insights, troubleshoot common issues, and build upon each other’s work. A better platform for data sharing could include subsurface data, geochemistry, records of drilling performance, and more. Creating a centralized resource for identifying challenges and evaluating new technologies across SHR projects would also help parties avoid making the same mistakes twice.
We must improve modeling and understanding of geochemistry
A foundational understanding of expected rock behavior and geochemistry at various lithologies, temperatures, and depths is important for all technology categories. On the Siting and Characterization panel, panelists discussed the potential of a mapped grid that would incorporate these elements for more accurate modeling and better-informed project planning. Advancing SHR depends heavily on understanding the range of expected fluid chemistry and its impact, which serves as a foundational requirement for effective modeling. All of this will help to reduce technological risk.
It’s time to drive systems integration in testing
A lack of focus on full system design and integration is an underacknowledged challenge. Comprehensive testing of the entire system, from materials to drilling and sensing technologies, is essential to ensure reliability and efficiency in high-temperature geothermal environments. An end-to-end approach in testing will help uncover and address integration issues that could otherwise hinder the performance and scalability of geothermal systems. This applies to drilling, well completion, and power production systems.
These insights capture just a portion of the weekend’s discussions. Many more valuable takeaways emerged from the event, each contributing to a broader conversation, one that CATF will continue to build upon as it moves forward. CATF will publish a ‘technology roadmap’ based on the full findings from this event, and related studies, in the coming months.
¿Y ahora qué?
The summit’s outcomes won’t end here. CATF has committed to advancing SHR development through updated Bridging the Gaps materials, a comprehensive synthesis report, and building a technology roadmap based on the learnings of this summit (all of these materials will be updated at the landing page here). These tools will support the SHR community in navigating technical, logistical, and funding priorities, and the relationships built at this summit will accelerate SHR’s timeline and enable growth within the community. Stay tuned for our next steps.
