HOT DRY ROCK ENERGY: European geothermal project to utilise hot dry rock / hot fractured rock resources: first phase of the construction of the scientific pilot plant.

• Research unit: EU RFP
• Project number: 00.0453

Key words (English)

Fractured granite; coupled processes; thermal-hydraulic-geochemical modelling; data analysis; data bank; geothermal energy; water-rock interaction; Rhine graben; hydraulic tests; borehole microseismic interpretation;
Environmental Protection; Energy

Alternative project number (English)

EU project number: ENK5-CT2000-00301

Research programs (English)

EU-programme: 5. Frame Research Programme - 1.4b.1 Cleaner energy systems, including renewables

Short description (English)

See abstract

Partners and International Organizations (English)

Coordinator: 'Exploitation Minière de la Chaleur', Rutzenhausen (F)

Abstract (English)

Recent results at Soultz have demonstrated the technical feasibility of utilizing the vast amount of energy stored in hot fractured rock masses, which are common i n most of Europe. A European Economic Interest Grouping has been established to take this technology through the Scientific Pilot Plant phase. The proposed 2- year European HDR/HFR research programme at Soultz is the first of two phases in the construction and testing of this plant and will entail drilling of two deep, deviated wells and subsequent large-scale stimulation of both these and the existing deep well. The programme will allow testing and maturing of novel drilling and stimulation technology. Success in heat-exchanger creation will reduce the uncertainty with regard to HDR/HFR energy utilisation and pave the way towards increased willingness of industry to continue to develop HDR/HFR technology, prototyping and full-scale commercialisation.

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: Euro-DB of the
State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Swiss Project-Number: 00.0453