The Lemelson Meeting: Scoping the Design Criteria for the Global Geothermal Challenge

Abstract

Limitations in power and temperature tolerance of current electrical submersible pumps (ESPs) hinder power output per well of hydrothermal systems and the long term development of EGS. Recognizing this challenge an incentive prize is being created to accelerate the commercialization of geothermal. Incentive prizes have proven successful in some areas to overcome technical challenges and create social awareness and interest in previously obscure areas. Such a prize would have a strong media and “race like” component to draw multiple teams to spurn innovation in an attempt to win a prize purse and advance market commitments on a large pump order. While studies have identified numerous technical challenges, (e.g., drilling, reservoir stimulation and management) only a pump is well suited for an incentive prize. The paper will present an analysis of geothermal technical challenges and the rational for selecting an ESP for the focus of an incentive prize.