A Protocol for Estimating and Mapping Global EGS Potential

Abstract

This paper establishes a Protocol to estimate and map the Theoretical and Technical potential for Engineered (or Enhanced) Geothermal Systems (EGS) in a globally self-consistent manner compatible with current geothermal public Reporting Codes. The Protocol, derived and modified from that designed by the team lead by Professor David Blackwell at Southern Methodist University (Dallas, Texas), is divided into five stages: Model the • temperature, heat flow and available heat of the Earth’s crust down to a depth of 10,000 m • Estimate the Theoretical Potential for EGS power in the crust down to a depth of 10,000 m • Estimate the Technical Potential that can be realized with current technology, and considering geographic, ecologic, legal and regulatory restrictions • Define a level of confidence in the estimated Technical Potential at each location, consistent with public Reporting Codes • Present results using common visualization and data architecture The goal of the Protocol is the production of regional estimates and maps of EGS potential that are directly comparable to one another globally. The maps, estimates and source data will be made freely available for public use and presented in common data formats such as the Keyhole Markup Language (KML) for Google Earth.