Natural geothermal systems versus manmade systems

Traditional geothermal power systems (hydrothermal systems) leverage natural hot water or steam zones underground. These hydrothermal systems have typically been associated with areas of volcanic activity such as the Ring of Fire. But to bring the benefits of geothermal power to other regions, manmade geothermal systems are being explored.

Enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) target areas with hot rock, but limited permeability or fluids, by injecting fluids into the subsurface. This effectively produces a manmade reservoir through which the fluid can circulate and transport heat back to the surface for power generation.

Advanced geothermal systems (AGS) utilize a closed-loop system through which fluids are circulated and heated by heat transfer through the wellbore wall and back up to the surface for energy generation.

While each system is fundamentally different in design and approach to harnessing geothermal energy—including direct use for heating and cooling buildings—they all require in-depth subsurface knowledge and well construction and production expertise to optimize project efficiencies and economics.