Reducing Emissions in Hydraulic Fracturing for Geothermal Application with the Technology Revolution

Abstract

Geothermal energy harnessing requires hydraulic fracturing to enhance and sustain required energy output per well. When hydraulic stimulation is considered for such systems, the surface emission print of a geothermal system may be significant. Classically the hydraulic fracturing system consists of a high number of powerful pumps connected to deliver the required flowrate at a given pressure. Currently most of the pumps used in such applications are driven by diesel engines which will result of a high CO2 and other emissions footprint during the fracturing process. A previous paper presented at Stanford Geothermal Workshop, have pointed out that emissions, especially CO2 emissions during geothermal well construction are the highest during a geothermal project lifetime. This paper is first discussing the current hydraulic fracturing emission using a case study as an example which include a possible CO2 tax (as an example of Norway). We will discuss about how emissions can be reduced using conventional fracking units and where the limitations are. In the second part of the paper will will discuss about the novel technologies out there which implies partial or full electric fracking units, and how such systems could revolutionize the geothermal through major emission reduction and better job quality.