Geoenergy: new concepts for utilization of geo-reservoirs as potential energy sources

Excerpt

The need for new strategies related to the provision of energy calls for new concepts that integrate renewable and unconventional energy sources. At the same time the global energy demand and the need to mitigate global warming require concepts that assure a further but environmentally sustainable use of fossil energy keeping the emission of greenhouse gases, and in particular of CO₂, to a minimum. Given these boundary conditions, the concept of geoenergy, not only encompassing the utilization of domestic subsurface reservoirs as potential energy sources but also as potential storage sites for matter or energy, obtains a new relevance. Subsurface reservoirs may be the place from where hot fluids can be produced for the production of geothermal energy, where dynamic or long-term storage of matter or energy can be accomplished or where conventional and unconventional hydrocarbon resources may be located. In a holistic concept of geoenergy, all these aspects need to be integrated to optimally explore and exploit geo-resources without compromising the environment. This involves the development of not only new technologies for the exploration, utilization and monitoring of the different types of reservoirs but also new concepts for capturing, storing or recycling of CO₂ in the process of burning fuels. This establishment of appropriate technologies is still a major challenge in the ecological and sustainable use of geological resources. At the same time, there is an increasing awareness that innovative technologies are needed to allow for an environmentally sound and economically feasible exploitation of geo-reservoirs. This equally applies for traditional and more recent efforts of utilizing the geological underground, e.g. for geothermal energy production, storage of CO₂ or other fluids, and the exploitation of shale gas. …