Science & Technology: Methods for Hydraulic Fracturing for Enhanced Geothermal Systems in a Deep Mine

South Dakota School of Mines Researchers Look at Fracing to Improve Geothermal Energy Production (Oil & Gas 360)

South Dakota School of Mines researchers believe fracking can be used at depth in hard rocks that contain no oil or gas to improve geothermal energy production. Fracing could enhance the use of the earth’s own heat as a source of clean energy.

Liangping Li, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Geology and Geological Engineering at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, has received an award from National Science Foundation (NSF) for his research entitled “Inverse Methods of Hydraulic Fracturing for Enhanced Geothermal Systems in a Deep Mine.”

Li is working alongside projects already underway at the Sanford Research Facility (SURF) including kISMET (permeability (k) and Induced Seismicity Management for Energy Technologies) and the Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) project. Hydraulic fracturing research at SURF uses no chemicals, so unlike some fossil fuel fracking operations, the fracking fluid used in these studies is water only.  Researchers also note that these fractures are being created 4,850 feet underground, far below drinking water aquifers.

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