Harnessing Energy by Active Thermo-mechanical Engineering of Reservoir Rock [HEATER^2]

• Applicants: Jackie Kendrick, Ph.D.; Dr. Anthony Lamur
• Subject Area: Geology
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 560482374

Beneath our feet sit vast reservoirs of untapped energy. Only a tiny fraction of the potential capacity of geothermal energy worldwise is actually utilised. But the transition to a low carbon future requires geothermal energy. Several nations can be considered pioneers in their development of geothermal resources, not least Iceland, where 65% of its primary energy supply and 30% of its electricity is from them. They have also pushed technological boundaries with pioneering projects such as the Iceland Deep Drilling Project (IDDP), which provide a wealth of information that can benefit all nations in the persuit of sustainable geothermal energy. The key to the sustainable production of geothermal energy, is the efficient use of subsurface resources. In this project we will use novel, large-scale laboratory experiments to constrain the thermo-mechanical behaviour of rocks which are vital to the supply of geothermal energy. This project will enable us to better predict geothermal production potential, in order to maximise energy extraction and ensure resource longevity and sustainability. Such constraints have only recently become possible thanks to projects such as IDDP providing in-situ temperature, lithology and fluid flow data, and the recent technological developments that allow laboratory experimentation of larger samples under hotter and more dynamic conditions. Thus we now have an opportunity to set the benchmark in geothermal reservoir characterisation.

• DFG Programme: Infrastructure Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 1006: Infrastructure area - International Continental Scientific Drilling Program (ICDP)
• International Connection: Iceland
• Co-Investigator: Dr. Marco Fazio
• Cooperation Partner: Dr. Gudjon Eggertsson