Hot Dry Rock -- A European Perspective

Abstract

Research hot dry rock technology is being pursued actively in several European countries. All these project employ variations of the basic hydrofracturing approach. Following proof of the concept at Los Alamos, the UK project has concentrated on understanding the rock mechanics of reservoir creation. The most important outcome has been recognition of the importance of the in situ stress field and its effect on the mechanism of fracture growth. The emphasis is now being placed on reducing impedance and flow losses within a vary large fracture system. A full depth prototype is expected to be build in Europe within the next decade.