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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.

University of Auckland

Geothermal Institute

Institution Type: Academia

Institution Website

Auckland, New Zealand

Contact

Eylem Kaya
Senior Lecturer
e.kaya@auckland.ac.nz

Areas of Expertise

  • Resource Characterization & Modeling
  • Drilling & Well Design
  • 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 Planned
  • Geological Modeling Active
  • Reservoir Modeling Active
  • Coupled Process Modeling Planned
  • Crustal Stress, Geomechanics/Rock Mechanics Planned
  • Water/Rock Geochemistry Active
  • Seismic Risk & Mitigation Planned
  • Water Resource Management Planned
  • High-Performance Computing (HPC) for Coupled or Multiphysics Simulations Active
  • Environmental Risk Assessment Active
Simulation: TOUGH2, TOUGHREACT, WAIWERA Experiment: Fluid-rock-chemical interaction, Abaqus, COMSOL
Temperature Note Use of simulators designed to handle supercritical fluid behavior (flow-transport-chemical reactions). But our experimental equipments are currently up to 230°C.
Max Pressure (MPa) 2.3 Use of simulators designed to handle supercritical fluid behavior (flow-transport-chemical reactions). But our lab reactor is currently up to 2.3 MPa
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.

  • Hybrid Systems Planned
  • Well Completion (Cements, Liners, Flow Control) Planned
  • Casing Materials (Thermal Stresses, Corrosion, Abrasion) Planned
  • Advanced Materials for Drilling & Well Integrity Planned
Analytical: reservoir modelling TOUGH2, TOUGHREACT (with EOS1sc), Waiwera, iTOUGH, PEST, ABAQUS, wellbore simulation, uncertainty quantification
Temperature Note Up to supercritical conditions (with EOS1sc for TOUGH, SE and SAE for Waiwera)
Pressure Note Up to supercritical conditions (with EOS1sc for TOUGH, SE and SAE for Waiwera)
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously Yes

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) Planned
  • Thermal Stimulation or Heat Management Planned
Analytical: reservoir simulation, fracture and permeability modelling, DFN (hydraulic/thermal), uncertainty quantification, geomechanical modelling.
Temperature Note supercritical conditions (numerical modelling)
Pressure Note supercritical conditions
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously Yes
Numerical: modelling tools: Waiwera, TOUGH family, ABAQUS, Experimental: hydraulic/thermal stimulation experiments, high-temperature material/system testing
Max Temperature (°C) 230
Max Pressure (MPa) 2.3
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously Yes

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.

  • Surface Engineering (Piping, Turbines, Power Plant Components) Active
  • Heat Exchange & Thermal Management Technologies Planned
  • Opportunities for Co-Production Planned
  • Integration with Hydrogen or Thermal Energy Storage Systems Planned
  • Alternative Working Fluids Planned
Analytical: power cycle simulation, plant performance and economic modelling, environmental impact assessment.
Temperature Note High-temperature
Pressure Note High-pressure
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously Yes
Experimental: material endurance/corrosion testing, integrated system demonstration (field/lab scale), fluid chemistry and scaling studies
Temperature Note High-temperature
Pressure Note High-pressure
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously Yes

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