Research Capabilities
Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy has the potential to make a significant contribution to the United States' energy independence. Geothermal Energy is a baseload renewable energy source that has a low environmental impact and no greenhouse emissions.
For the past 40+ years PNNL has been studying subsurface geology, chemistry, hydrology, and modeling as part of the Environmental Management (EM) program. Additionally, PNNL has cultivated a very strong materials program. These capabilities directly apply to the geothermal energy area that has recently seen resurgence. Our current geothermal projects include development of a more efficient heat exchange media and geothermal tracers for geothermal reservoir characterization. We have also conducted 30+ renewable energy evaluations for the Department of Defense. Below is a list of our capabilities.
- Subsurface expertise
- Characterization and monitoring
- Geochemistry
- Geology
- Hydrology (reservoir analysis)
- Reservoir modeling and computer simulation
- Field technology application and drilling experience
- Carbon Dioxide expertise
- CO2 and reservoir rock interactions
- Unique tools for characterizing super critical CO2, water, and rock interactions
- High pressure NMR, AFM, X-Ray Diffraction, scanning FTIR
- Potential to apply to other fluids
- Power plant experience
- Instrumentation and operation
- Modeling to predict scaling of brines
- Process intensification
- Ultra high efficiency heat exchangers
- Energy analysis and thermal management
- Materials development
- Protective coatings
- Tracer materials
Geothermal resources in Washington based on shallow groundwater wells