Electro-Hydraulic Fracturing for Enhanced Geothermal Systems

Default ARPA-E Project Image

Program:
OPEN 2021
Award:
$3,796,672
Location:
Somerville, Massachusetts
Status:
ACTIVE
Project Term:
07/29/2022 - 07/28/2025
Website:

Technology Description:

To use EGS as an unlimited renewable energy source, Eden will develop a new class of hydraulic fracturing methods to create fluid pathways for water to be heated and extracted for power production. Eden’s new “Electro-Hydraulic Fracturing” (E-HF) technology will use electricity and water to access a more extensive fracture network for heat recovery. This E-HF process will increase the heat transfer surface area for the water circulating through fractures, improving EGS power plant efficiency up to 500%. This technology can potentially save 270 billion gallons of water by limiting water use compared with traditional hydraulic fracturing and would provide access to untapped renewable geothermal energy.

Potential Impact:

E-HF uses state-of-the-art high-power equipment to increase EGS power production efficiency.

Security:

EGS re-stimulation can be completed using 100% renewable energy. E-HF increases EGS power generation, which will lead to increased investment in EGS development, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and reduce energy-related emissions.

Environment:

This technology will help to unlock the potential of EGS, which contains 98% of the earth’s geothermal power resources.

Economy:

By maximizing the power generation of EGS reservoirs, E-HF can decrease the levelized cost of electricity to $0.07/kWh, 75% less expensive than current EGS power plants.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Douglas Wicks
Project Contact:
Dr. Paris Smalls
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
paris.smalls@edengeopower.com

Partners

Idaho National Laboratory

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Release Date:
02/11/2021