Reversing Carbon Emissions in Geothermal Energy Production: Te Ara Whakamua

Abstract

New Zealand is on the path to a low-emissions, climateresilient future. The NZ parliament approved a bill to make NZ carbon neutral by 2050. These actions demand an accelerated and expanded electrification of our society and economy and aim to achieve 95% renewable generation by 2035. Geothermal energy is technically and economically viable and can provide steady and baseload electricity.
Our research aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by creating processes enabling GHG entrapment, especially CO2, in solid form while boosting energy production from geothermal resources. The study requires the characterisation of geological, geochemical, geophysical, and fluid-dynamic properties to investigate and optimise potential trapping mechanisms. To overcome current GHG storage problems, we will present novel techniques to enhance GHG solubility in geothermal wastewater and inject agents into the deep rock to ensure permanent trapping.