REFLECT final conference: Redefining fluid properties at extreme conditions to optimize future geothermal energy extraction

The one problem plaguing almost all deep geothermal operations in the world is related to the chemistry of the geothermal fluids. In order to maximize both, the operational efficiency and economic returns of geothermal power plants, it is vital that these systems work well for long periods without requiring significant maintenance. Key to this is preventing or controlling deleterious physical and chemical reactions such as degassing and mineral precipitation that result in corrosion and scaling.

The Horizon2020 REFLECT project, funded by the European Commission, addresses the challenge of determining geothermal fluid properties at in-situ geothermal conditions, i.e., extremely hot or extremely saline fluids. The project has acquired new chemical, physical and microbiological data from sampling of natural fluids and new thermodynamic and kinetic reaction data from experiments in the lab. These data were implemented in predictive models to determine fluid reactions at extreme conditions, and into a comprehensive European Fluid Atlas. REFLECT researchers also develop a downhole sampler for high-temperature geothermal wells.

The results presented during this final project event will enable operators to significantly increase technology performance and reduce maintenance costs or downtimes and, thus, reduce operational costs and increase the number of economically viable geothermal projects.

Please register for this side-event using the following link:

https://www.eventbrite.be/e/reflect-final-conference-tickets-380371731087

Agenda:

11:00 – 11:20 Welcome

The Horizon2020 REFLECT project: Redefining geothermal fluid properties at extreme Conditions to optimize future geothermal energy extraction

Simona Regenspurg

11:20-11:35 Sampling and laboratory analysis for characterisation of natural high-saline geothermal fluids

Joy Iannota, Vera Hehn, Florian Eichinger

11:35-11:50 Assessing microbial diversity in deep geothermal fluids around Europe

Danaé Bregnard, Alessio Leins, Andrea Vieth-Hillebrand, Simona Regenspurg, Pilar Junier

11:50-12:05 Differentiation of the origin of dissolved organic compounds in geothermal fluids of the Bad Blumau site

Alessio Leins, Andrea Vieth-Hillebrand, Simona Regenspurg, Stefanie Pötz, Florian Eichinger

12:05-12:20 Presenting the European Fluid Atlas

Karoly Kovacs, Anna Seres, Éva Hartai

12:20-12:35 A Downhole Sampler for High-Temperature Geothermal Wells

Gunnar Skúlason Kaldal, Bjarni Steinar Gunnarsson, Deirdre Clark, Iwona Galeczka, Steinthor Nielson