Many of the challenges associated with geothermal energy exploitation relate to the aggressive environments associated with the extraction of geothermal energy. However, there are clear parallels with other industries in which TWI has a long history of expertise. These include petro-chemical plants, waste to energy and biomass, oil and gas exploration and production, gas turbine blading and conventional steam plants.
TWI’s experience and knowledge in coatings, material properties and performance, plant management, and joining technologies provide a unique gateway into geothermal work. For example, our experience with wear-resistant materials can aid drilling for geothermal plants. Coupled with our experience of structural integrity and integrity management as well as monitoring and inspection, these areas of expertise are already proving influential in a number of geothermal projects.
These projects include:
S4CE (Science for Clean Energy) - Implementing innovative technologies to monitor, manage and mitigate environmental risks
Geo-Coat - High performance erosion and corrosion resistant coatings
GeoSmart – storing heat energy to cost-effectively respond to network demands
GeoDrill - developing holistic drilling technologies that have the potential to reduce the cost of drilling to large depths and at high temperatures
With a proven track record of delivering both technical and commercial value, TWI is able to offer support and research across our worldwide network to develop solutions for the future of geothermal energy use.