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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.

Sandia National Laboratories

Geothermal Research Program

Institution Type: Research Center or National Laboratory

Institution Website

Albuquerque, USA

Contact

Giorgia Bettin
Program Manager
gbettin@sandia.gov

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 Planned
  • Geological Modeling Active
  • Geophysical Modeling Active
  • Reservoir Modeling Active
  • Coupled Process Modeling Active
  • Crustal Stress, Geomechanics/Rock Mechanics Active
  • Water/Rock Geochemistry Planned
  • Seismic Risk & Mitigation Planned
  • Water Resource Management Planned
  • High-Performance Computing (HPC) for Coupled or Multiphysics Simulations Active
Reservoir modeling capabilities with pFOLTRAN
Max Temperature (°C) 350
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously Yes
Autoclave
Max Temperature (°C) 300
Max Pressure (MPa) 30
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously Yes
Rheometer
Max Temperature (°C) 316
Max Pressure (MPa) 207
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously Yes

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
  • Well Completion (Cements, Liners, Flow Control) Active
  • Casing Materials (Thermal Stresses, Corrosion, Abrasion) Active
  • Advanced Materials for Drilling & Well Integrity Active
Multiple drilling simulators
Max Temperature (°C) 200
Pressure Note Ambient
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously No
Hard-rock facility
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) Planned
  • Real-Time Telemetry & Data Acquisition Systems Active
  • Acoustic Emission Monitoring Active
  • High-Temperature Electronics for Sensors & Data Systems Active
  • Borehole Imaging Technologies Active
Testbed scaling for telemetry systems. High-temperature electronics laboratories, instrumentation laboratories
Max Temperature (°C) 350
Max Pressure (MPa) 34.5
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously Yes
Oven
Max Temperature (°C) 350
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously No
Autoclave
Max Temperature (°C) 300
Max Pressure (MPa) 34.5
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously Yes
Oven/Shaker
Max Temperature (°C) 350
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
Rock mechanics testing, fractures modeling
Max Temperature (°C) 200
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously Yes

No projects have been submitted

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