Energy Systems Division

Geothermal Materials Research

Our Geothermal Materials research focuses on the development of new materials that can withstand the extreme conditions found in geothermal wells and facilitate the use of geothermal reservoirs for power generation and storage as an “always on”, renewable solution for energy diversification worldwide.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Geothermal Technology Office (GTO) conducted a rigorous technical analysis (GeoVision) that evaluated future geothermal deployment opportunities and outlined necessary actions for success of geothermal energy in the GeoVision roadmap. Our research directly addresses GeoVision roadmap actions that call for durable materials to improve well-completion technology for better well life cycles, improved zonal-isolation techniques, and development of geothermal hybrids allowing pairing of geothermal energy with other energy sources, e.g. solar.

Capabilities

Brookhaven scientists have world-class capabilities to conduct research in the development of new geothermal well materials. A state-of-the-art testing laboratory is available on site for formulating and evaluating new materials developed. The laboratory contains equipment for sample preparation (autoclaves, ovens, mixers), testing and characterization (mechanical Instron testing, thermogravimetric analyzer, differential scanning and isothermal calorimeters, optical 3-d microscope, X-ray diffractometer, FTIR spectroscope, µEDX, carbon analyzer, and AC/DC electrochemical corrosion testing, contact angle, thermal conductivity measuring equipment).