Integrated Evaluation of Cost, Emissions, and Resource Potential for Algal Biofuels at the National Scale
Abstract not provided
09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
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Updates to Enhanced Geothermal System Resource Potential Estimate
The deep EGS electricity generation resource potential estimate maintained by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory was updated using the most recent temperature-at-depth maps available from the Southern Methodist University Geothermal Laboratory. The previous study dates back to 2011 and was developed using the original temperature-at-depth maps showcased in the 2006 MIT Future of Geothermal Energy report. The methodology used to update the deep EGS resource potential is the same as in the previous study and is summarized in the paper. The updated deep EGS resource potential estimate was calculated for depths between 3 and 7 km and is binned in 25 degrees C increments. The updated deep EGS electricity generation resource potential estimate is 4,349 GWe. A comparison of the estimates from the previous and updated studies shows a net increase of 117 GWe in the 3-7 km depth range, due mainly to increases in the underlying temperature-at-depth estimates from the updated maps.
15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
Update to Enhanced Geothermal System Resource Potential Estimate: Preprint
The deep EGS electricity generation resource potential estimate maintained by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory was updated using the most recent temperature-at-depth maps available from the Southern Methodist University Geothermal Laboratory. The previous study dates back to 2011 and was developed using the original temperature-at-depth maps showcased in the 2006 MIT Future of Geothermal Energy report. The methodology used to update the deep EGS resource potential is the same as in the previous study and is summarized in the paper. The updated deep EGS resource potential estimate was calculated for depths between 3 and 7 km and is binned in 25 degrees C increments. The updated deep EGS electricity generation resource potential estimate is 4,349 GWe. A comparison of the estimates from the previous and updated studies shows a net increase of 117 GWe in the 3-7 km depth range, due mainly to increases in the underlying temperature-at-depth estimates from the updated maps.
15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
Interactions of Wind Energy Project Siting, Wind Resource Potential, and the Evolution of the U.S. Power System
The interactions of wind energy project siting, resource potential, and power system evolution are critical to understand given interest in high renewable energy systems, particularly as wind costs have fallen and grid operators implement solutions to manage variable generation. This study applies an integrative approach that combines spatially-explicit resource potential analysis with high spatial resolution U.S. electricity system modeling. Multiple wind supply curves, representing variations in siting regimes that account for interactions with built infrastructure, regulatory, physical, and social land use factors, are evaluated to determine how siting could influence prospective wind development. Different siting regimes lead to variations in future wind capacity, with the greatest impacts observed under scenarios with high demand for clean energy. With the tightest emissions limit modeled, 2050 onshore wind capacity varied by +7% (49 GW) in the least-restrictive siting regime to a decrease of 37% (270 GW) under the most-constrained case. More-stringent siting restrictions lead to higher electricity prices and emissions that should be weighed with local impacts. Under restrictive siting regimes, wind deployment is also sensitive to transmission availability and wind plant design. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of local land use considerations in regional and national power system planning.
17 WIND ENERGY↗
Using Geothermal Play Types as an Analogue for Estimating Potential Resource Size
Blind geothermal systems are becoming increasingly common as more geothermal fields are developed. Geothermal development is known to have high risk in the early stages of a project development because reservoir characteristics are relatively unknown until wells are drilled. Play types (or occurrence models) categorize potential geothermal fields into groups based on geologic characteristics. To aid in lowering exploration risk, these groups' reservoir characteristics can be used as analogues in new site exploration. The play type schemes used in this paper were Moeck and Beardsmore play types (Moeck et al. 2014) and Brophy occurrence models (Brophy et al. 2011). Operating geothermal fields throughout the world were classified based on their associated play type, and then reservoir characteristics data were catalogued. The distributions of these characteristics were plotted in histograms to develop probability density functions for each individual characteristic. The probability density functions can be used as input analogues in Monte Carlo estimations of resource potential for similar play types in early exploration phases. A spreadsheet model was created to estimate resource potential in undeveloped fields. The user can choose to input their own values for each reservoir characteristic or choose to use the probability distribution functions provided from the selected play type. This paper also addresses the United States Geological Survey's 1978 and 2008 assessment of geothermal resources by comparing their estimated values to reported values from post-site development. Information from the collected data was used in the comparison for thirty developed sites in the United States. No significant trends or suggestions for methodologies could be made by the comparison.
15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
Low-Temperature Hydrothermal Resource Potential Estimate
Compilation of data (spreadsheet and shapefiles) for several low-temperature resource types, including isolated springs and wells, delineated area convection systems, sedimentary basins and coastal plains sedimentary systems. For each system, we include estimates of the accessible resource base, mean extractable resource and beneficial heat. Data compiled from USGS and other sources. The paper (submitted to GRC 2016) describing the methodology and analysis is also included. * A newer version of this data exists in a more recent submission. See the resources below for more information.
15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
Geothermal Resource Potential Assessment White Pine County, Nevada, NBMG Report 55
Geothermal resources can potentially contribute toward the renewable energy portfolio of White Pine County (WPC) in two ways: first through the direct conversion of heat energy into electricity, and the second by way of direct-use applications in which thermal energy is used as a source of heat for buildings, greenhouses, and related structures. Several known geothermal areas within WPC lie proximal to the Southwest Intertie power line currently under construction. A potential source of electricity could come from conventional geothermal systems associated with young faults and regions of active crustal deformation. These systems have a total installed capacity in the Great Basin region of nearly 1,000 MWe. White Pine County hosts several geothermal systems of this type, but none are currently producing electricity. White Pine County has relatively low rates of crustal deformation relative to western NV or the Wasatch region of Utah (e.g., faulting accommodating crustal extension). However, based on a review of the geology in the region, we conclude that sustained and reasonable exploration efforts could result in the discovery and development of one or more electricity-grade geothermal systems, with potential generation capacity at each system in the range of 1–20 MWe. In addition, a new and unproven type of potential geothermal resource termed “deep stratigraphic reservoirs” or “hot sedimentary aquifers” has recently been proposed in the western United States. White Pine County, and in particular, the northern Steptoe Valley, has some of the most promising potential for electricity generation from this type of reservoir in the United States. Preliminary calculations suggest that as much as 500 MWe of baseload electricity in the northern Steptoe Valley could be produced from this type of reservoir using wells reaching depths of 2 to 4 km. The economic feasibility remains unproven, but initial estimates are encouraging. Based on observed surface temperatures and flow rates of springs, several geothermal systems in WPC also have the potential for direct use, including the heating of buildings and greenhouses. Such uses could reduce the consumption of electricity generated from fossil fuels and could lead to economic expansion by extending the growing season for certain agricultural products and reducing utility costs.
15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
Assessment of Geothermal Resource Potential at a High-Priority Area on the Utah Testing and Training Range–South (UTTR–S)
Field investigations conducted during 2011 support and expand the conclusion of the original Preliminary Report that discovery of a viable geothermal system is possible in the northwestern part of the Utah Testing and Training Range-South (UTTR-S), referred to henceforth as Focus Area 1. The investigations defined the southward extent of the Wendover graben into and near Focus Area 1, enhanced the understanding of subsurface conditions, and focused further geothermal exploration efforts towards the northwestern-most part of Focus Area 1. Specifically, the detailed gravity survey shows that the Wendover graben, first defined by Cook et al. (1964) for areas north of Interstate Highway 80, extends and deepens southwest-ward to the northwest corner of Focus Area 1. At its deepest point, the intersection with a northwest-trending graben there is favorable for enhanced permeability associated with intersecting faults. Processing and modeling of the gravity data collected during 2011 provide a good understanding of graben depth and distribution of faults bounding the graben and has focused the interest area of the study. Down-hole logging of temperatures in wells made available near the Intrepid, Inc., evaporation ponds, just north of Focus Area 1, provide a good understanding of the variability of thermal gradients in that area and corroborate the more extensive temperature data reported by Turk (1973) for the depth range of 300-500 m. Moderate temperature gradients in the northern part of the Intrepid area increase to much higher gradients and bottom-hole temperatures southeastward, towards graben-bounding faults, suggesting upwelling geothermal waters along those faults. Water sampling, analysis, and temperature measurements of Blue Lakes and Mosquito Willey's springs, on the western boundary of Focus Area 1, also show elevated temperatures along the graben-bounding fault system. In addition, water chemistry suggests origin of those waters in limestone rocks beneath the graben in areas with temperatures as high as 140 C (284 F). In conclusion, all of the field data collected during 2011 and documented in the Appendices of this report indicate that there is reasonable potential for a viable geothermal resource along faults that bound the Wendover graben. Prospects for a system capable of binary electrical generation are especially good, and the possibility of a flash steam system is also within reason. The next steps should focus on securing the necessary funding for detailed geophysical surveys and for drilling a set of temperature gradient wells to further evaluate the resource, and to focus deep exploration efforts in the most promising areas.
15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
Screening Assessment of Prospective CO 2 Storage Resource Potential in Saline Carbonate Systems, Central North Dakota Region
Conference presentation at 2023 Rocky Mountain Section-American Association of Petroleum Geologists (RMS-AAPG) Annual Meeting, Bismarck, ND, June 4–6, 2023. As part of the U.S. Department of Energy-funded North Dakota CarbonSAFE Phase III effort, a screening-level assessment was conducted over central North Dakota, including McLean, Mercer, and Morton Counties, to determine if viable CO 2 storage resource potential exists within carbonate saline reservoirs. Published literature and data from 173 wells were used in the study. The study focused on identifying carbonate saline reservoirs and suitable confining zones for CO 2 storage, with emphasis on three key questions: 1) are the carbonate saline reservoirs viable for CO 2 storage? 2) what is their range of storage resource potential? and 3) what are the main elements driving uncertainty and risk of potential capacity and containment?
20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗
Subsurface Characterization for Evaluating Geothermal Resource Potential from Existing Oil and Gas Wells in Tuttle, Oklahoma: Preprint
Oil and gas (O&G) wells often encounter co-produced hot water, possibly suitable for geothermal direct-use applications. The City of Tuttle is located on the eastern part of the Anadarko sedimentary basin in Oklahoma with high heat-in-place potential and recovery capability at depth. This study aims at demonstrating the potential of geothermal energy production for direct-use applications in two public schools and 250 nearby houses in Tuttle via repurposing existing O&G wells. In this scope, geochemistry, geology, and borehole log data were collected and incorporated into a 3D conceptual subsurface model. A digital elevation model (DEM) was used to represent the study area topography with four O&G wells. In addition, hydrogeochemical characteristics of the geothermal fluid and scaling potential were analyzed using ternary diagrams and chemical ratios to develop mixing models. The subsurface geology model indicated that the study area primarily consists of Permian to Mississippian Sandstone and Limestone formations, implying a porosity ranging between 12% and 22%, and a permeability up to 3.90E-14 m2 in certain reservoir levels. The reservoir temperature is expected to be ranging between 80 degrees C to 95 degrees C around 3 km depth with an average temperature gradient of 22.8 degrees C/km. Chemical geothermometers also estimated the reservoir temperature as 90 degrees C. Findings of the chemical model demonstrated that the geothermal fluid is Sodium-Potassium-Chloride-Sulfate type and possibly mixed with shallow groundwater resulting in higher Ca and Mg concentrations and lower Na/K ratio implying lower calcite scaling. These results comprehensively characterize the potential of geothermal resources in the study area and imply that geothermal energy production by repurposing existing O&G wells is suitable for low-temperature direct-use applications.
GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
Subsurface Characterization for Evaluating Geothermal Resource Potential from Existing Oil and Gas Wells in Tuttle, Oklahoma
Oil and gas (O&G) wells often encounter co-produced hot water, possibly suitable for geothermal direct-use applications. The City of Tuttle is located on the eastern part of the Anadarko sedimentary basin in Oklahoma with high heat-in-place potential and recovery capability at depth. This study aims at demonstrating the potential of geothermal energy production for direct-use applications in two public schools and 250 nearby houses in Tuttle via repurposing existing O&G wells. In this scope, geochemistry, geology, and borehole log data were collected and incorporated into a 3D conceptual subsurface model. A digital elevation model (DEM) was used to represent the study area topography with four O&G wells. In addition, hydrogeochemical characteristics of the geothermal fluid and scaling potential were analyzed using ternary diagrams and chemical ratios to develop mixing models. The subsurface geology model indicated that the study area primarily consists of Permian to Mississippian Sandstone and Limestone formations, implying a porosity ranging between 12% and 22%, and a permeability up to 3.90E-14 m2 in certain reservoir levels. The reservoir temperature is expected to be ranging between 80 degrees C to 95 degrees C around 3 km depth with an average temperature gradient of 22.8 degrees C/km. Chemical geothermometers also estimated the reservoir temperature as 90 degrees C. Findings of the chemical model demonstrated that the geothermal fluid is Sodium-Potassium-Chloride-Sulfate type and possibly mixed with shallow groundwater resulting in higher Ca and Mg concentrations and lower Na/K ratio implying lower calcite scaling. These results comprehensively characterize the potential of geothermal resources in the study area and imply that geothermal energy production by repurposing existing O&G wells is suitable for low-temperature direct-use applications.
gas wells↗
Shallow EGS Regional Resource Potential and Map - Snake River Plain
SMU Geothermal Lab developed a methodology to estimate shallow (1 km to 4 km) Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) resource potential using an approach that utilizes recent geology and geophysical research along with new well data to improve the thermal conductivity model, mitigate impacts from groundwater flow in the thermal model, and examine radioactivity data variations. By incorporating the results of the most recent projects with the SMU shallow methodology, we developed a more accurate, updated resource estimate for the Snake River Plain (SRP). The resulting maps and resource estimates can be used by the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the public to determine how best to move forward with future project development.
15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
Geologic hydrogen: a review of resource potential, subsurface dynamics, exploration, production, transportation, and research opportunities
Hydrogen is a versatile resource with critical roles in decarbonization, industrial manufacturing, and energy integration. However, most hydrogen today is produced from fossil fuels, resulting in high emissions and energy consumption. Although low-carbon hydrogen production methods, such as steam methane reforming with carbon capture and renewable-powered electrolysis, are advancing, their high costs hinder large-scale deployment. Identifying alternative pathways for producing low-cost, low-emission hydrogen is therefore essential. Geologic hydrogen, referring to natural and stimulated hydrogen generated in the Earth's subsurface, has attracted growing attention as a potential source of sustainable, economically viable, and environmentally favorable hydrogen. This paper provides a comprehensive review of geologic hydrogen, covering its resource potential, origins, migration and trapping mechanisms, exploration techniques, production strategies, and pipeline transportation. It also identifies key knowledge gaps and proposes a roadmap for future research. The review indicates that geologic hydrogen has vast resource potential and can leverage existing subsurface technologies and geophysical exploration methods. However, major challenges persist, including uncertain hydrogen generation rates, limited understanding and control of serpentinization processes, costly transportation infrastructure, the lack of validated techno-economic analysis, and potential social and environmental issues. As the field is still in its early stages, progress will require interdisciplinary collaboration spanning geoscience, engineering, economics, environmental science, and policy and regulation.
42 ENGINEERING↗
US Low-Temperature EGS Resource Potential Estimate
Shapefile of shallow, low-temperature EGS resources for the United States, and accompanying paper (submitted to GRC 2016) describing the methodology and analysis. These data are part of a very rough estimate created for use in the U.S. Department of Energy Geothermal Technology Office's Vision Study. They are not a robust estimate of low-temperature EGS resources in the U.S, and should be used accordingly.
15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
Potential Effects of Climate Change and Solar Radiation Modification on Renewable Energy Resources
Solar radiation modification (SRM) is a possible deliberate approach to decrease or reflect incoming solar radiation with the goal of reducing global temperatures, which have increased over the last decades due to high atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations. Stratospheric aerosol injection, specifically, has shown potential for successfully reducing global temperatures in climate model simulations. Despite the growing literature in the areas of climate change and SRM, their combined effects on renewable energy generation, a climate change mitigation strategy, have not been addressed. In this review paper, we synthesize previous literature on the possible effects of climate change and SRM on renewable energy resources (i.e., wind energy, solar energy, biomass energy, and hydropower), review the status of climate change and SRM research, and explore potential effects of SRM on renewable energy primarily in the Continental United States (CONUS), but with global perspectives as well. We discuss the research challenges and impacts of SRM on renewable energy and conclude by discussing the potential implications of SRM for renewables for SRM governance and policy. This work is not advocating for or against SRM. It is highlighting an important potential impact for future decision makers.
Kumler, Andrew [National Renewable Energy Laborato↗
Air Carbon for Algae Production (AirCAP) – Expanding algae resource potential via direct (in-pond) air-CO2 capture.
Microalgae biofuel production potential in the United States is constrained by a lack of suitable cultivation locations within a close proximity to CO2 point-sources. Initial estimates suggest that removing the requirement of a concentrated CO2 source expands resource potential ten-fold, allowing the projection of production levels that approach levels of current U.S. diesel consumption. Decoupling cultivation locations from concentrated CO2 point-sources requires direct capture of air-CO2 into the pond bulk at a rate sufficient to meet maximum expected carbon assimilation rates (10 g C/m2-day and higher). Enhancement of the ingassing rate via chemical reaction, the direct reaction of dissolved CO2 with hydroxide ions, has been proposed as a mechanism to increase the ingassing rate of air-CO2. The central objectives of this project are to validate whether chemically enhanced air-CO2 ingassing rates in large raceway ponds can meet or exceed the level required to support high levels of algae productivity, then subsequently identify alkaliphilic strains able to withstand such conditions while maintaining a biomass productivity that enables process economics. Full scale ponds (~1 acre, unlined) will be used to validate ingassing rates as a function of pH expected at scale in a series of abiotic experiments. To date, mass-transfer dynamics have been characterized in ponds ranging from 1 to 1,000 m2. Initial results will be presented describing the mass transfer coefficient in 1-acre (~4,000 m2), unlined ponds. The maximum expected carbon ingassing rate will be measured during ingassing trials, in which pond pH is displaced from equilibrium via the addition of a strong base, with the subsequent decrease in pH (and increase in dissolved inorganic carbon) corresponding to the air-CO2 absorption rate. A mass-transfer model, validated with experimental results, will be used to project ingassing rates expected at pond scales (10 acres) required for production of commodity chemicals.
09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
Assessment of Wind Energy Resource Potential for Future Human Missions to Mars
Energy sustainability and redundancy for surface habitats, life support systems and scientific instrumentation represent one of the highest-priority issues for future crewed missions to Mars. However, power sources utilized for the current class of robotic missions to Mars may be potentially dangerous near human surface habitats (for example, nuclear) or lack stability on diurnal or seasonal timescales (for example, solar) that cannot be easily compensated for by power storage. Here, we evaluate the power potential for wind turbines as an alternative energy resource on the Mars surface. Using a state-of-the-art Mars global climate model, we analyse the total planetary Martian wind potential and calculate its spatial and temporal variability. We find that wind speeds at some proposed landing sites are sufficiently fast to provide a stand-alone or complementary energy source to solar or nuclear power. While several regions show promising wind energy resource potential, other regions of scientific interest can be discarded based on the natural solar and wind energy potential alone. We demonstrate that wind energy compensates for diurnal and seasonal reductions in solar power particularly in regions of scientific merit in the midlatitudes and during regional dust storms. Critically, proposed turbines stabilize power production when combined with solar arrays, increasing the percent time that power exceeds estimated mission requirements from ~40% for solar arrays alone to greater than 60-90% across a broad fraction of the Mars surface. We encourage additional study aimed at advancing wind turbine technology to operate efficiently under Mars conditions and to extract more power from Mars winds.
atmospheric dynamics↗
Low-Temperature Hydrothermal Resource Potential Estimate
Compilation of data (spreadsheet and shapefiles) for several low-temperature resource types, including isolated springs and wells, delineated area convection systems, sedimentary basins and coastal plains sedimentary systems. For each system, we include estimates of the accessible resource base, mean extractable resource and beneficial heat. Data compiled from USGS and other sources. The paper (submitted to GRC 2016) describing the methodology and analysis is also included.
15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗