The European project **COMPASS** is developing advanced technology that could increase geothermal energy production capacity by five times, addressing the challenges of pressure, extreme temperatures, and corrosion that have so far limited the full utilization of this renewable source.
This advancement aims to position geothermal energy as a key resource in the **global energy transition**.
## Geothermal energy: a constant and clean source
**Main advantages**:
– Constant production independent of the weather.
– Almost zero CO₂ emissions.
– Existing underground utilization in more than **90 countries**.
**Potential**:
– Water in a supercritical state (>374 °C and >218 atmospheres) can generate **5 to 10 times more electricity** than traditional geothermal sources.
– This state was achieved by the Iceland Deep Drilling Project (IDDP), although its initial wells faced technical issues due to **thermal stress**.
## Iceland: a leader in geothermal energy production
– Produces **5.8% of global geothermal electricity**.
– **99% of its electricity** comes from renewable sources, mainly geothermal and hydroelectric power.
– Geothermal energy covers **45%** of the national heating demand, demonstrating its viability with determined energy policies.
## COMPASS: advanced technologies for wells
The **COMPASS project** introduces innovative solutions to overcome traditional issues:
1. **Advanced casing design**: Materials resistant to extreme heat and prolonged stress.
2. **Anti-corrosive coatings**: Applied with **EHLA (Extreme High-Speed Laser Application)** technology, extending the wells’ lifespan.
3. **Pressure relief system**: Releases excess pressure during heating, automatically resealing to maintain the well’s structural integrity.
## Advanced simulation by SINTEF
**Multipurpose simulator**:
– Analyzes physical and chemical phenomena within the well in real-time.
– Allows for optimizing specific designs for each environment.
– Reduces costs and prevents construction errors, accelerating development.
## Well reuse: circular model
**Geothermal wells** not only generate electricity but can also be adapted for:
– **Carbon capture and storage (CCS)**.
– **Hydrogen production**.
– **Seasonal thermal storage**.
This reuse extends their lifespan to over **30 years**, **reducing environmental impact** and ensuring energy versatility.
## Global impact and future of the technology
Deep geothermal energy could supply up to **8.5% of global electricity** by 2050, avoiding the emission of **2.1 gigatonnes of CO₂** annually.
With advancements like those introduced by COMPASS, this technology promises to be a key piece in energy sustainability.
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