The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to seek input from researchers and technologists of various backgrounds, representing a broad range of fields and disciplines, with the goal of evaluating novel approaches to develop superhot (defined as greater than or equal to 375°C and associated pressures of roughly 22 megapascals (MPa)) enhanced geothermal power for generating electricity and other uses. These approaches should accelerate the construction of high-temperature geothermal wells that may include water in a supercritical state, or “superhot”.
This RFI seeks information about key enabling technologies for development of high-temperature geothermal resources. Equivalent, well-tested, and mature equipment, developed by the petroleum industry, exists for lower temperatures (roughly 200°C) but will fail rapidly at the higher temperatures and corrosive conditions of high-temperature geothermal wells. This RFI focuses on addressing basic technological needs for superhot geothermal energy generation without prescribing a specific approach (e.g., stimulation versus closed loop).
RFI Guidelines:
Note that the information you provide will be used by ARPA-E solely for program planning, without attribution. THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ONLY. THIS NOTICE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FUNDING OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT (FOA). NO FOA EXISTS AT THIS TIME.
The purpose of this RFI is solely to solicit input for ARPA-E consideration to inform the possible formulation of future research programs. ARPA-E will not provide funding or compensation for any information submitted in response to this RFI, and ARPA-E may use information submitted to this RFI without any attribution to the source. This RFI provides the broad research community with an opportunity to contribute views and opinions.
No material submitted for review will be returned and there will be no formal or informal debriefing concerning the review of any submitted material. ARPA-E may contact respondents to request clarification or seek additional information relevant to this RFI. All responses provided will be considered, but ARPA-E will not respond to individual submissions or publish a compendium of responses. Respondents shall not include any information in the response to this RFI that could be considered proprietary or confidential.
Responses to this RFI should be submitted in PDF format to the email address ARPA-E-RFI@hq.doe.gov by 5:00 PM Eastern Time on September 30, 2024.