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Breadcrumb

  1. Research
  2. Sustainable Energy
  3. Renewable Energy
  4. Geothermal Energy

Geothermal
Energy

Harvesting the
Earth’s natural heat

  • Electric Grid Modernization
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  • Environmental Management
  • Fossil Energy
  • Nuclear Energy
  • Renewable Energy
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    • Wind Energy
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    • Hydropower
    • Grid Integration of Renewable Energy
    • Geothermal Energy
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  • Attend a Geothermal Energy Event
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  • Explainer Articles

When it comes to the nation’s future power needs, geothermal energy checks many critical boxes. A renewable resource, it produces no greenhouse emissions and has a low environmental impact. Geothermal energy can be harnessed without importing fuel, and it produces energy around the clock; it could pave the way to increasing the nation’s energy independence.

With a decades-long history of researching and applying renewable energy sources, PNNL supports the U.S. Department of Energy’s Geothermal Technologies Office in growing the use of geothermal energy. PNNL projects related to these efforts include developing materials and methodologies that allow for improved reservoir characterization, well cement integrity and co-production technologies. Research also focuses on improving efficiency and reducing cost of low-temperature heat engines through enhanced working fluids, and on decreasing water use for stimulating rock shearing in enhanced geothermal systems (EGS).

Extraction through innovation

Using geophysical techniques and modeling capabilities, PNNL is characterizing potential geothermal sites and evaluating their capacity for long-term energy production. One of these sites is the Newberry Volcano, located in central Oregon, one of the largest geothermal heat reservoirs in the western United States. NEWGEN, a public-private consortium, is developing a new concept of super-hot EGS at this volcano with very high-temperature wells (above 450C). The project aims to test more efficient and innovative ways to extract underground heat where conventional geothermal power generation isn’t possible.

Ultimately, PNNL’s goal is to develop technologies that can better capture, extract, and convert heat from the Earth, making the energy produced more competitive in the marketplace compared to other sources of electricity. This will promote a more reliable, sustainable power grid, and increase the strength and productivity of the U.S. economy.

Recent News

OCTOBER 20, 2022
Feature

Lithium Extraction and Geothermal Energy, a Dynamic Duo

Read
An illustration of a geothermal plant, with pipes running groundwater in the Earth's crust to and from the plant.
MAY 12, 2022
Feature

Size Matters for Speeding Up Nuclear Waste Cleanup

Read
Michael Minette extends his hands, each with a different size of muddy sludge that was separated through the puck-like device.
MARCH 23, 2022
Staff Accomplishment

Johnson Named Associate Editor for Groundwater Journal

Read
Tim Johnson
SEE MORE RELATED NEWS

Facilities

Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory

Related Divisions

Earth Systems Science Division

Research Topics

Geothermal Energy Renewable Energy Materials Sciences Fossil Energy Earth & Coastal Sciences Subsurface Science Subsurface Energy Systems

Contact

T.J. Heibel
Renewable Power Lead
tj.heibel@pnnl.gov
(202) 422-2316

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Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is managed and operated by Battelle for the Department of Energy
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