Graphene: the Key to Revolutionise Geothermal Energy

Abstract

Geothermal energy has been under research and development for several decades, with its full potential yet to be explored. The greatest advantage being, its worldwide availability regardless of the location. A few thousands of meters below us lies the unlimited potential for heat energy. The challenge is to extract this energy in a way that is economically feasible. A major step forward would be to bring a change in the current method, which depends on heat transfer through moving fluid. Graphene is one of the world’s thinnest material, a two-dimensional crystalline structure of carbon with an extremely high thermal conductivity of the range 3000-5000 W/mK at room temperature. Also being one of the strongest material, graphene introduces the possibility of using wires for transferring geothermal heat to the surface of Earth. This paper considers and explores all the factors related to the use of graphene for geothermal energy. While examining the current scenario in the development of this method, discussing future scopes and challenges would also be the objective of this paper. Obtaining a balance between an expensive set-up and a sustainable operation might be the key to effectively utilizing this incredible renewable resource.