Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy comes from the earth's core and is used to generate electricity and heat. The first geothermal power plant was built in Lardarello, Italy back in 1911 and it is still in operation today. The resource is virtually endless and widely considered a sustainable form of energy generation. It is also the only sustainable energy that can produce 24/7, independent of wind or sunlight.
Challenges
Despite its unique advantages, geothermal energy has to overcome several challenges, in order to breakthrough as the next generation of sustainable energy production. CLEAG has identified and categorized the main barriers below.
Cost/Performace
Exploration - Finding and establishing resources is costly and bears highest risks
Customization - Geothermal power plants are tailor-made systems
Availability
Access - Project locations are limited due to the need for high temperatures of at least 150°C
Greenhouse gases (GHG)
Emissions - In most cases, pumping water from deep formations co-produces unwanted GHG
Solution
CLEAG has patented an advanced geothermal energy system that tackles the above-mentioned challenges. By utilizing the GHG's, which are dissolved in the pumped up water in a carbon neutral way, CLEAG's technology reaches a remarkable energy output with low-temperature water. The system works ideally with inlet temperatures ranging between 100-120°C, which allows us to target a wider spectrum of project locations and not having to drill that deep. Moreover, low-temperature formations are well researched and documented, therefore we can use existing data to pinpoint suitable areas without having to conduct expensive and risky exploration. The technology was jointly developed with the Ökozentrum Langenbruck (CH), with the precondition that all components have to be proven and off-the-shelf, the innovation solely stems from the new combination.
The result: A zero emission, high-efficiency, low-temperature geothermal energy system. The CO2 life-cycle footprint is lower than typical wind or PV technologies.
Our power plants are fully standardized, come in one size and are compact, local, green energy hubs.
Technical Specifications
Total plant capacity: 100 MW (based on 100°C inlet), whereas
- 18 MW electricity
- 82 MW heat
Annual full load hours (base-load): 8150
Annual electricity production (net): 100,000 MWh
Annual heat production (net): 600,000 MWh
Land area: 2-3 ha
Life-cycle CO2 emissions: 5 grams per kWh