FervoFlex: Long duration in-reservoir energy storage and load-following, dispatchable geothermal generation

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Program:
OPEN 2021
Award:
$4,500,000
Location:
Berkeley, California
Status:
ACTIVE
Project Term:
08/22/2022 - 08/21/2024
Website:

Technology Description:

Fervo Energy has developed proprietary geothermal technology—FervoFlex™—capable of delivering in-reservoir energy storage and dispatchable generation attributes. At the same time, the team will develop a fiber optics-based diagnostic platform to monitor and optimize dynamic subsurface processes that currently pose major barriers to flexibly operating geothermal facilities. Fervo’s horizontal well design connects subsurface wells with a set of hydraulically conductive fractures surrounded by impermeable rock. These fractures act as flow pathways, providing contact areas with the geothermal reservoir to enable sustained heat recovery, and the low-permeability rock prevents fluid leak-off. Charging and discharging cycles are performed by controlling the injection and production well flow rates and pressures to deliver flexible generation profiles in response to grid demands and time-shift energy at high round-trip efficiencies. The FervoFlex™ technology effectively enables Fervo to operate their assets to achieve multi-day energy storage attributes in addition to the traditional benefits of clean, firm geothermal power.

Potential Impact:

Firm, zero-carbon, dispatchable resources are key to unlocking a fully decarbonized electricity sector.

Security:

Geothermal energy is reliable, flexible, and requires no fuel inputs to maintain operations. It will increase the resilience and reliability of the electric grid.

Environment:

When coupled with organic Rankine cycle generators, geothermal energy is a clean energy resource with zero emissions or pollutants that requires minimal land use.

Economy:

Making geothermal flexible would realize a $300+ billion market opportunity.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Isik Kizilyalli
Project Contact:
Dr. Jack Norbeck
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
jack@fervoenergy.com

Partners

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

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Release Date:
02/11/2021