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Geothermal Frontier – Beta

This is an integrated knowledge and data sharing platform that aggregates global datasets on institutional research capacity and country-level geothermal profiles. It is designed to support cross-sector collaboration and the advancement of next-generation geothermal technologies. The platform facilitates access to structured data, technical insights, and networked expertise to accelerate the development of higher-enthalpy resources and drive cost-competitive deployment at scale.

Federal Institute of Technology Zurich

Bedretto Laboratory

Institution Type: Academia

Institution Website

Zurich, Switzerland

Contact

Domenico Giardini
Professor
domenico.giardini@eaps.ethz.ch

Areas of Expertise

  • Resource Characterization & Modeling
  • Drilling & Well Design
  • Monitoring & Instrumentation
  • Reservoir Creation & Management

Resource Characterization & Modeling

This area focuses on identifying, assessing, and modeling geothermal resources to understand their size, temperature, and viability. It supports better decision-making by improving predictions of subsurface conditions and resource potential.

  • Exploration, Appraisal, Site Selection Active
  • Geological Modeling Active
  • Geophysical Modeling Active
  • Reservoir Modeling Active
  • Coupled Process Modeling Active
  • Water/Rock Geochemistry Active
  • Seismic Risk & Mitigation Active
  • High-Performance Computing (HPC) for Coupled or Multiphysics Simulations Active
High-resolution monitoring and modeling of hydraulic stimulation: multi-parameter borehole sensor arrays for micro-earthquakes, stress, pressure, fluid movement, and deformation in deep crystalline rock, integrated with numerical modelling of fracture behaviour and reservoir dynamics
Max Temperature (°C) 80
Max Pressure (MPa) 25
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously No
Hydromechanical numerical modeling of fractured geothermal reservoirs using CODE_BRIGHT (coupled with TOUGH2), FLAC3D for stress analysis, and COMSOL Multiphysics for multiphysics simulations. Applied to hydraulic stimulation and reservoir behavior studies at the Bedretto Underground Laboratory.
Max Temperature (°C) 80
Max Pressure (MPa) 25
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously No

Drilling & Well Design

This area covers technologies and expertise needed to safely and efficiently access geothermal resources at depth. It includes innovations in drilling methods, materials, and well design and construction to reduce costs and effectively reach higher-enthalpy systems in more geologic regions.

  • Energy Drilling Active
  • Hybrid Systems Active
  • Casing Materials (Thermal Stresses, Corrosion, Abrasion) Active
Testing of early-stage drilling and well designs at the Bedretto Lab.
Max Temperature (°C) 80
Max Pressure (MPa) 25
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously No

Monitoring & Instrumentation

This area enables real-time measurement and analysis of geothermal systems through advanced sensors and data tools. It supports performance optimization, risk reduction, and improved understanding of subsurface behavior over time.

  • Downhole Sensors Active
  • Electrical Components for Geothermal Wells Active
  • Fiber Optic Sensing Systems (DTS, DAS, DSS) Active
  • Real-Time Telemetry & Data Acquisition Systems Active
  • Acoustic Emission Monitoring Active
  • Borehole Imaging Technologies Active
  • Environmental Monitoring Active
  • Permanent Surface Passive Seismic Array Active
Testing of monitoring and instrumentation at the Bedretto Lab
Max Temperature (°C) 80
Max Pressure (MPa) 25
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously No

Reservoir Creation & Management

This area focuses on developing and sustaining productive geothermal systems, including enhanced and closed-loop systems. It involves techniques to develop the geothermal reservoir, manage the system, and optimize fluid flow and heat extraction over the project’s life.

  • EGS (Hydraulic Stimulation, Zonal Isolation, High-Temp Proppants) Active
  • Closed-Loop Systems Active
Testing of early-stage reservoir creation and management, including testing stimulation strategies, monitoring induced microseismicity, and evaluating reservoir performance under controlled conditions at Bedretto Lab.
Max Temperature (°C) 80
Max Pressure (MPa) 25
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously No

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