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Integrated Research as Key to the Development of a Sustainable Geothermal Energy Technology
Author(s) -
Meller Carola,
Bremer Judith,
Baur Sabine,
Bergfeldt Thomas,
Blum Philipp,
Canic Tina,
Eiche Elisabeth,
Gaucher Emmanuel,
Hagenmeyer Veit,
Heberling Frank,
Held Sebastian,
Herfurth Sarah,
Isele Jörg,
Kling Tobias,
Kuhn Dietmar,
Kumar Ankit,
Mayer Dominik,
Müller Birgit,
Neumann Thomas,
Nestler Britta,
Nitschke Fabian,
Nothstein Alexandra,
Nusiaputra Yodha,
Orywall Pia,
Peters Max,
Sahara David,
Schäfer Thorsten,
Schill Eva,
Schilling Frank,
Schröder Elisabeth,
Selzer Michael,
Stoll Madeleine,
Wiemer HansJoachim,
Wolf Stefanie,
Zimmermann Michael,
Kohl Thomas
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
energy technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.91
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 2194-4296
pISSN - 2194-4288
DOI - 10.1002/ente.201600579
Subject(s) - geothermal energy , geothermal gradient , sustainable development , multidisciplinary approach , maturity (psychological) , sustainability , engineering , agency (philosophy) , systems engineering , business , engineering management , political science , sociology , geology , ecology , social science , geophysics , law , biology
Abstract As estimated by the International Energy Agency, geothermal power can contribute to 3.5 % of worldwide power and 3.9 % to heat production by 2050. This includes the development of enhanced geothermal systems (EGSs) in low‐enthalpy systems. EGS technology is still in an early stage of development. Pushing EGS technologies towards market maturity requires a long‐term strategic approach and massive investments in research and development. Comprehensive multidisciplinary research programs that combine fundamental and applied concepts to tackle technological, economic, ecological, and safety challenges along the EGS process chain are needed. The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) has defined a broad research program on EGS technology development following the necessity of a transdisciplinary approach. The research concept is embedded in the national research program of the Helmholtz Association and is structured in four clusters: reservoir characterization and engineering, thermal water circuit, materials and geoprocesses, and power plant operation. The proximity to industry, closely interlinked with fundamental research, forms the basis of a target‐orientated concept. The present paper aims to give an overview of geothermal research at KIT and emphasizes the need for concerted research efforts at the international level to accelerate technological breakthrough of EGS as an essential part of a future sustainable energy system.