Researchers at the University of Oklahoma (OU) recently conducted an unprecedented rock fracturing experiment that showcased the potential for enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) as a viable power source for the United States.Supported by funding from the Energy Department’s Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO), Dr. Ahmad Ghassemi - a GRC member - and his research team of graduate students successfully fractured and stimulated a series of 13-cubic-inch blocks of granite and other igneous rocks found in EGS reservoirs.
The OU team was able to extract more than 50 watts of power production from the small rocks, which is equivalent to a household light-bulb, showing promise that field-scale fractures and a properly engineered EGS can produce considerable amounts of power.
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