Enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) are engineered reservoirs created to produce energy from geothermal resources that are otherwise not economical
due to a lack of fluid and/or permeability.
EGS Resource Potential
Enhanced geothermal system technology can enhance existing geothermal systems and create new systems where appropriate thermal and geologic
characteristics occur. EGS has the potential for accessing the Earth's vast resources of heat located at depth to help meet the energy needs
of the United States.
The United States Geological Survey estimates 500,000 MWe of enhanced geothermal systems potential lies beneath the western United States.
This is approximately half of the current installed electric power generating capacity in the United States.
Characteristics of EGSs
High-temperature rock
Fluid saturation
Sufficient permeability to allow geothermal fluid to flow through the system
Benefits of EGS Development
EGS emit little to no greenhouse gases. Most power plants use a closed-loop binary cycle and will have no greenhouse
gas emissions other than vapor from water that may be used for cooling. EGS has enormous potential to be an important
contributor to the U.S. energy portfolio as a source of clean and renewable energy.
EGS will increase energy production by producing geothermal energy in new environments and at various depths.
Geothermal energy has the ability to produce energy consistently and around the clock.
EGS has the potential to create high-paying, long-term jobs. In 2008, the geothermal industry accounted for 25,000 jobs.
EGS Reservoir Development and Operation
Step1: Identify a Site
In order to select an appropriate EGS site, it is crucial to understand the geologic characteristics of the area through
field exploration. After surface exploration, an exploratory well is drilled to determine the permeability of the resource,
and whether fluid is present. If the site possesses the necessary characteristics, an injection well is planned.
Step 2: Create a Reservoir
Drill an injection well into hot basement rock with limited fluid content and permeability.
Inject water at sufficient pressure (or temperature differential) to propogate fractures by: opening existing fractures or
creating new fractures. Continue pumping water to reopen old fractures and extend existing fractures throughout the developing
reservoir.
Drill a production well into the fracture network intersecting as many of the flow points as possible. The resulting circulation
loop allows water to circulate through the enhanced reservoir along permeable pathways, picking up in situ heat. The hot water is
then pumped to the surface through the production well (see diagram at right).
Step 3: Operate the Power Plant and Maintain the Reservoir
At the surface, the water heats a working fluid that produces vapor to drive a turbine-generator.
Vapor travels through the turbine-generator to create electricity.
The original geothermal water is recycled into the reservoir through the injection well to complete the circulation loop.
EGS may be expanded by adding additional production and injection wells. This allows heat extraction from large volumes of rock
and increases power generation capabilities.
Google video that explains EGS, how it works and where it can be used.
Diagram of an enhanced geothermal system showing the injection and production wells, power plant, cooling facility and turbine generator inset. Please click image for full detail. United States Department of Energy image.
During the process of creating an EGS reservoir, rocks may slip along pre-existing fractures, which may produce microseismic events. Induced seismicity, which can result from stimulation, helps to identify the extent of the fracture network in the reservoir. In almost all cases, these events in the deep reservoir are of such low magnitude that they are not felt at the surface.
