Combined Heat, Power and Metal Extraction from Ultradeep Ore Bodies

Abstract

This paper describes the results of the CHPM2030 research project, which was running in the period 2016-2019. It was funded through the EC -Horizon 2020 programme with the aim to develop a novel and potentially disruptive technology solution that can help satisfy the European needs for energy and strategic metals in a single interlinked process. The intention was to create a proof of concept of the technical and economic feasibility at laboratory scale for new routes to valorise critical metals from high-performance geothermal systems. An important part of the work consists of a series of laboratory experiments and orebody investigations as well as simulations to validate the methodological framework. The main components in the system are: (1) Underground heat exchanger, (2) Production wells, (3) Electrolytic metal recovery, (4) Geothermal binary power plant, (5) Heat production unit, (6) Gas diffusion electro-precipitation, (7) Salt gradient power generation and (8) Injection wells. Sub-models of the different components describe their behaviour and these have been combined in one overall mathematical model. It is used to study selected scenarios based on conditions in known geothermal reservoirs in Europe. Sensitivity analysis and results of optimization of combined metal extraction and power generation will be presented.