There are several issues in that article, the new science, geothermal energy generation, and the expression of that information. Journalists often have the problem of being assigned to write on technical things they don't fully understand and then to a deadline. We might have to do some interpreting.
EGS geothermal doesn't necessarily have to imply high temperature. The Soultz EGS plant in France operates at ~140 C. We are rather spoilt having the Cooper Basin rocks at >240 C. Nearly all new geothermal systems appear to use the binary cycle technology to drive the turbine (both EGS and HSA). Having particular dissolved solutes can increase the liquid to gas expansion volumes in the secondary cycle. The effectiveness is limited by the solubility and the chemical stability at elevated temperatures. The article specifies low temp which I can only guess might mean ~140 C.
Both the primary (in ground) and the secondary cycles are closed loops so that virtually nothing is vented externally. The pollution-free comment is an implied comparison with coal fired plants rather than other geothermal plants.
It is the second last paragraph that describes the essential new feature all in one sentence and which I don't understand. What are nanostructured metal-organic heat carriers? If it boosts generating capacity to near that of a conventional steam cycle are you gaining anything? I suspect the author may have been confused.
Keep in mind that the interviewee generally wants his project to come across as 'bound to work'; therefore speak confidently and say it loud if in doubt! (Speaking generally - not casting aspersions here.) We may well hear more on this in the next year or two when the bench top model works.
Juke
RNE Price at posting:
94.5¢ Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held
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