Why is this research important?
Idaho is consistently ranked as one of the top states in the country for its geothermal energy potential. If geothermal energy can be made more affordable through research, it has the potential to provide the state and region with several megawatts of “green” power.
Carbon dioxide is one of the primary greenhouse gases contributing to global warming. Efforts are underway to reduce global carbon dioxide emissions. Studies have shown that capturing and storing greenhouse gases could be an important strategy to mitigate their effects on the atmosphere.
Current Research Projects
-FORGE – A team led by Idaho National Laboratory in coordination with CAES won a Phase 1 award to study the feasibility of establishing an enhanced geothermal system (EGS) field laboratory on the INL site under the Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy (FORGE program). Learn more.
-CAES researchers are studying a naturally occurring CO2 system located near Soda Springs, Idaho to better understand how the gas moves through the subsurface, and its impact on groundwater resources.
-CAES/INL scientists are members of the Big Sky Carbon Sequestration Partnership, one of the U.S. Department of Energy’s seven regional carbon sequestration consortiums. Phase III of the project is now underway.
-Researchers are working improving the accuracy of geothermal reservoir temperature predictions, which could help reduce geothermal exploration costs.