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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.

National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR)

Institution Type: Research Center or National Laboratory

Institution Website

Golden, USA

Contact

Amanda Kolker
Laboratory Program Manager for Geothermal
amanda.kolker@nlr.gov

Areas of Expertise

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

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
  • Crustal Stress, Geomechanics/Rock Mechanics Active
  • Water/Rock Geochemistry Active
  • Seismic Risk & Mitigation Active
  • High-Performance Computing (HPC) for Coupled or Multiphysics Simulations Active
Fluid-rock laboratory experiments (corrosion, mineral leaching) at superhot rock conditions
Max Temperature (°C) 500
Max Pressure (MPa) 100
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously Yes
Material degradation testing and characterization
Max Temperature (°C) 1200
Max Pressure (MPa) 0.3
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously Yes
Modeling capabilities: PelePhysics (https://github.com/AMReX-Combustion/PelePhysics), BDEM (https://github.com/NREL/BDEM), Exagoop (https://github.com/NREL/Exagoop)
Temperature Note Flexible temperature
Pressure Note Flexible pressure
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously Yes
GeoPFA: open-source Python library for Play Fairway Analysis (PFA) to reduce exploration risk in 2D and 3D
Temperature Note Not applicable
Pressure Note Not applicable
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.

  • Conventional Rotary Drilling Active
  • Energy Drilling Active
  • Hybrid Systems Active
  • Advanced Materials for Drilling & Well Integrity Planned
Drilling performance analysis. Wellbore lifecycle analysis and risk assessment
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously Yes
Multiscale, multimodal, and in-situ microscopy of solid-liquid and environmental T-C-M experimental testing
Max Temperature (°C) 1200
Max Pressure (MPa) 0.3
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously Yes
Empirical degradation modeling of time-varying real-world use from time-invariant accelerated aging test data using statistical modeling and machine learning
Temperature Note Not applicable. Simulations can be within any tested operating conditions.
Pressure Note Not applicable. Simulations can be within any tested operating conditions
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously Yes
Battery lifetime and performance modeling capabilities, static as well as time-varying operating conditions
Temperature Note Any relevant operating condition
Pressure Note Any relevant operating condition
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
  • High-Temperature Electronics for Sensors & Data Systems Active
Design, modeling, and testing of high-temperature electronic components, switches and downhole motors and generators
Max Temperature (°C) 250
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously No
Electrical, electromagnetic, thermal, fluids, and thermomechanical modeling to design (power) electronics and fabricate power modules
Max Temperature (°C) 175
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously No
Thermal management of power electronics (modeling and experimental), thermal, electrical, and reliability characterization of power modules (modeling and experimental)
Max Temperature (°C) 200
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously No
Thermal management of electric machines (modeling and experimental)
Max Temperature (°C) 200
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.

  • Closed-Loop Systems Active
  • EGS (Hydraulic Stimulation, Zonal Isolation, High-Temp Proppants) Active
  • Thermal Stimulation or Heat Management Active
Slender-body theory (SBT) tool for closed-loop systems to simulate thermal performance of a single U-loop as well as the wellbore performance of an individual well
Max Temperature (°C) 400
Max Pressure (MPa) 290
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously Yes
Modelling with TOUGH-REACT: A T-H-M-C model developed to analyze and predict the behavior of the wellbore and the near wellbore region over the period of the testing
Temperature Note Flexible
Pressure Note Flexible
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously Yes
GEOPHIRES: combines reservoir, wellbore, surface plant, and economic and cost models and correlations
Max Temperature (°C) 300 Normal runs 300 °C. A superhot rock extended case has a maximum reference temperature 500 °C
Max Pressure (MPa) 29 Reference reservoir hydrostatic pressure values 29 MPa and well head pressure 0.4 MPa
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously No

Engineering & Power Generation

This area addresses the conversion of geothermal heat into usable energy through plant design and system integration. It includes advancements in power cycles, efficiency improvements, and technologies for reliable, cost-competitive electricity generation.

  • Power Production (Grid Connection/Integration) Active
  • Heat Exchange & Thermal Management Technologies Active
  • Opportunities for Co-Production Planned
  • Integration with Hydrogen or Thermal Energy Storage Systems Active
Simulation tools and expertise to optimize power cycle configuration and design for integration with thermal resources
Temperature Note Flexible temperature
Pressure Note Flexible pressure
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously Yes

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