On May 11–14, 2015, the U.S. Department of Energy's Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO) conducted its regular program peer review in Westminster, Colorado. As chairperson for the event, Dr. Kate Baker provided direction on program planning to ensure a consistent, transparent, and independent review process.
This expert evaluation of the technical progress and merit of GTO-funded projects attracts geothermal stakeholders from around the nation, who provide valuable feedback and recommendations on future GTO strategies. DOE-funded projects are evaluated for the accomplishments, results, and progress of their geothermal research and scientific approach. The body of research is organized by topic “tracks” and presented by the principal investigators topically to a panel of independent experts and an audience of interested stakeholders. To support a rigorous analysis of the GTO portfolio, qualified experts provide comments on project strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.
Topic tracks followed GTO's program areas at that time: Track 1: Systems Analysis and Low Temperature, Track 2: Hydrothermal Resources, and Tracks 3 & 4: Enhanced Geothermal Systems.
Peer Evaluation Report
2015 Geothermal Technologies Office Peer Review Report
2015 Peer Review Report Appendices
2015 Presentations
Geothermal Energy: Global Reach, Local Impact
Wendy J. Harrison, Colorado School of MinesFORGE and EGS Program Outlook
Lauren Boyd, Geothermal Technologies OfficeGeothermal’s Role in an “All of the Above” Energy Strategy
Dr. Michael A. Pacheco, National Renewable Energy LaboratoryDOE Subsurface Technology and Engineering RD&D (SubTER) Overview
Marianne C. Walck, Sandia National Laboratories
Development of New Biphasic Metal Organic Working Fluids for Geothermal Systems
Pete McGrail, Pacific Northwest National LaboratoryGeothermal Risk Reduction via Geothermal/Solar Hybrid Power Plants
Craig Turchi, National Renewable Energy Lab; Dan Wendt, Idaho National LaboratoryGeothermal Power Generation and CO2 Capture Co-Production
David. J. Heldebrant, Pacific Northwest National LaboratoryForward Osmosis Purification of Co-Produced Water
Greg Mines, Idaho National LaboratoryLow-Enthalpy Geothermal Desalination
Craig Turchi, National Renewable Energy LaboratoryFreeform Heat Exchangers for Binary Geothermal Power Plants
Adrian Sabau, Oak Ridge National LaboratoryIntegrating Compressed Air Energy Storage and Geothermal for Grid-Scale Renewables Integration
Peter McGrail, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Magnetic Partitioning Nanofluid for Rare Earth Extraction from Geothermal Fluids
Peter McGrail, Pacific Northwest National LaboratoryGeothermal Thermoelectric Generation (G-TEG) with Integrated Temperature Driven Membrane Distillation and Novel Manganese Oxide for Lithium Extraction
Jay Renew, Southern Research InstituteRecovery of Rare Earths, Precious Metals and Other Critical Materials from Geothermal Waters with Advanced Sorbent Structures
Raymond Addleman, Pacific Northwest National LaboratoryEnvironmentally Friendly Economical Sequestration of Rare Earth Metals from Geothermal Waters
Dean Stull, Tusaar Corp.Chelating Resins for Selective Separation and Recovery of Rare Earth Elements from Low Temperature Geothermal Water
Athanasios Karamalidis, Carnegie Mellon UniversityEngineering Thermophilic Microorganisms to Selectively Extract Strategic Metals from Low Temperature Geothermal Brines
Caroline Ajo-Franklin, Lawrence Berkley National LaboratorySelective Recovery of Metals from Geothermal Brines
Susanna Ventura, SRI InternationalMaximizing REE Recovery in Geothermal Systems
Robert Zierenberg, University of California, Davis
Recovery Act: Electric Power Generation from Low to Intermediate Temperature Resources
William D. Gosnold, University of North DakotaLow Temperature Project Analysis
Greg Mines, Idaho National Laboratory; Tom Williams, National Renewable Energy LaboratoryRegulatory Roadmap
Katherine Young, National Renewable Energy LaboratoryNational Geothermal Resource Assessment and Classification
Colin Williams, U.S. Geological SurveyGeothermal Prospector
Dan Getman, National Renewable Energy LaboratoryThe Value of Geothermal Power for Integration of Intermittent Generation
Thomas Edmunds, Lawrence Livermore National LaboratoryProjected Deployment of Geothermal Technologies Subject to Water Availability Constraints
Jordan Macknick, National Renewable Energy LaboratoryGT-Mod
Tom Lowry, Sandia National LaboratoriesResource Reporting Methodology Analysis and Development of Geothermal Resource Reporting Metric for GTO’s Hydrothermal Program
Patrick Dobson, Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory; Kate Young, National Renewable Energy LaboratoryStrategic Analysis
Chad Augustine, National Renewable Energy LaboratoryGeothermal Resource Potential and Supply Curve Improvement
Chad Augustine, National Renewable Energy LaboratoryGETEM
Greg Mines, Idaho National LaboratoryHydrothermal Reservoir Productivity
Greg Mines, Idaho National Laboratory
Discovering Blind Geothermal Systems in the Great Basin Region: An Integrated Geologic and Geophysical Approach for Establishing Geothermal Play Fairways
James Faulds, Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, University of Nevada-RenoPlay Fairway Analysis of the Snake River Plain
John Shervais, Utah State UniversityStructurally Controlled Geothermal Systems in the Eastern Great Basin Extensional Regime, Utah
Phil Wannamaker, University of Utah/EGIComprehensive Analysis of Hawaii's Geothermal Potential through Play Fairway Integration of Geophysical, Geochemical, and Geological Data
Nicole Lautze, University of HawaiiThe Convergence of Heat, Groundwater, & Fracture Permeability: Innovative Play Fairway Modelling Applied to the Tularosa Basin
Dr. Greg Nash, Ruby Mountain Inc.Low Temperature Geothermal Play Fairway Analysis for the Appalachian Basin
Teresa Jordan, Cornell UniversityIceland Geophysics: Advanced 3D Geophysical Imaging Technologies for Geothermal Resource Characterization
Gregory Newman, Lawrence Berkley National LaboratoryGeothermal Potential of the Cascade and Aleutian Arcs, with Ranking of Individual Volcanic Centers for their Potential to Host Electricity-Grade Reservoirs
Lisa Shevenell, Atlas Geosciences Inc.Structurally Controlled Geothermal Systems in the Central Cascadia Arc-Backarc Regime, Oregon
Phil Wannamaker, University of Utah/EGIRecovery Act: Merging high resolution geophysical and geochemical surveys to reduce exploration risk at Glass Buttes, Oregon
Patrick Walsh, ORMAT Nevada, Inc.Geothermal Play Fairway Analysis of Potential Geothermal Resources in NE California, NW Nevada, and Southern Oregon
James McClain, University of California, DavisHydrogeologic Windows: Regional Signature Detection for Blind and Traditional Geothermal Play Fairways
Richard Stephen Middleton, Los Alamos National LaboratoryGeothermal Play-Fairway Analysis of Washington State Prospects
David Norman, Washington Division of Geology and Earth ResourcesDirect Confirmation of Commercial Geothermal Resources in Colorado Using Remote Sensing and On-Site Exploration, Testing, and Analysis
Jerry Smith, Pagosa Verde LLC
Application of Neutron Imaging and Scattering to Fluid Flow and Fracture in EGS Environments
Yarom Polsky & Philip Bingham, Oak Ridge National LaboratoryViability of Sustainable, Self-Propping Shear Zones in EGS: Measurement of Reaction Rates at Elevated Temperatures
Susan Carroll, Lawrence Livermore National LaboratoryNovel Geothermal Development of Deep Sedimentary Systems in the U.S.
Joe Moore, University of UtahSustainability of Shear-Induced Permeability for EGS Reservoirs
Tim Kneafsey, Lawrence Berkley National LaboratorySeismic Analysis of Spatio-Temporal Fracture Generation During EGS Resource Development
Dr. Roland Gritto, Array Information TechnologyLeveraging a Fundamental Understanding of Fracture Flow, Dynamic Permeability Enhancement, and Induced Seismicity to Improve Geothermal Energy Production
Dr. Chris Marone, The Pennsylvania State UniversityImaging Fault Zones Using a Novel Elastic Reverse-Time Migration Imaging Technique
Lianjie Huang, Los Alamos National LaboratoryLaboratory-Scale Characterization of EGS Reservoirs
Dr. Ahmad Ghassemi, The Board of Regents of the University of OklahomaSurface and Subsurface Geodesy Combined with Active Borehole Experimentation for the Advanced Characterization of EGS Reservoirs
Dr. Derek Elsworth, The Pennsylvania State UniversityStochastic Joint Inversion for Integrated Data Interpretation in Geothermal Exploration
Rob Mellors, Lawrence Livermore National LaboratoryNovel use of 4D Monitoring Techniques to Improve Reservoir Longevity and Productivity in Enhanced Geothermal Systems
Kelly Rose, National Energy Technology LaboratorySURGE: Completing Horizontal Geothermal Wells
Chad Augustine, National Renewable Energy LaboratorySURGE: Sedimentary Geothermal Feasibility Study
Chad Augustine, National Renewable Energy LaboratoryPhase I Project: Fiber Optic Distributed Temperature Sensing for Periodic Hydraulic Tests
Dr. Matthew Becker, California State University Long BeachTime-lapse joint inversion of GEOphysical Data and its application to gEothermal prospecting - GEODE
Dr. Andre Revil, Colorado School of MinesLaboratory Evaluation of EGS Shear Stimulation
Stephen Bauer, Sandia National LaboratoriesQuantifying EGS Reservoir Complexity with an Integrated Geophysical Approach - Improved Resolution Ambient Seismic Noise Interferometry
Ileana Tibuleac, Board of Regents, NSHE, obo University of Nevada, RenoIdentifying High Potential Well Targets with 3D Seismic, and Mineralogy
Robert Mellors, Lawrence Livermore National LaboratoryGeothermal Resource Development with Zero Mass Withdrawal, Engineered Convection, and Wellbore Energy Conversion
Richard Hughes, LA State University
Integration of Nontraditional Isotopic Systems Into Reaction-Transport Models of EGS For Exploration, Evaluation of Water-Rock Interaction, and Impacts of Water Chemistry on Reservoir Sustainability
Eric Sonnenthal, Lawrence Berkley National LaboratoryGeothermometry Mapping of Deep Hydrothermal Reservoirs in Southeastern Idaho
Mark Conrad, Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory; Earl Mattson, Idaho National LaboratorySurprise Valley Geochemistry
Nicholas Spycher, Lawrence Berkley National LaboratoryTemporary Sealer Materials
Toshi Sugama, Brookhaven National LaboratoryTagged Nanoparticles for Fluid Flow Monitoring
Richard Kemp, Sandia National LaboratoriesUse of He Isotopes for Geothermal Resource Identification in the Cascades and Snake River Plain
Patrick Dobson, Lawrence Berkley National LaboratorySurface Estimates of Deep Permeability
Mack Kennedy, Lawrence Berkley National LaboratoryRadioisotope Tracers and Fracture Attributes for Enhanced Geothermal Systems
John Christensen, Lawrence Berkley National LaboratoryFluid Chemistry and Fracture Growth: What's the Connection?
Kevin Knauss, Lawrence Berkley National LaboratorySPI Conformance Gel Applications in Geothermal Zonal Isolation
Lyle Burns, Clean Tech Innovations, LLCA Reactive Tracer Method for Predicting EGS Reservoir Geometry and Thermal Lifetime: Development and Field Validation
Jefferson Tester, Cornell University
Development of a 300°C, 200 level, 3C Fiber Optic Downhole Seismic Receiver Array for Surveying and Monitoring of Geothermal Reservoirs
Dr. Bjorn Paulsson, Paulsson, Inc.Drilling Technologies Evaluation
Douglas Blankenship, Sandia National LaboratoriesRecovery Act: High Temperature 300C Directional Drilling System, including drill bit, steerable motor, and drilling fluid, for Enhanced Geothermal Systems
Kamalesh Chatterjee, Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations IncorporatedElastomeric Material Evaluation and Development
Erica Redline, Sandia National Laboratories; Toshi Sugama, Brookhaven National LaboratoryWell Monitoring Systems for EGS
Randy Normann, Perma WorksHigh Temperature Downhole Motor
David Raymond, Sandia National LaboratoriesMultifunctional Corrosion-resistant Foamed Cement Composites
Toshi Sugama, Brookhaven National LaboratoryDirectional Measurement-While-Drilling System for Geothermal Applications
Kamalesh Chatterjee, Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations IncorporatedEnhanced High Temperature/High Speed Data Link for Logging Cables
Grzegorz Cieslewski, Sandia National LaboratoriesHigh Temperature Chemical Sensing Tool for Distributed Mapping of Fracture Flow in EGS
Grzegorz Cieslewski, Sandia National LaboratoriesAdvanced Percussive Drilling Technology for Geothermal Exploration and Development
Dale Wolfer, Atlas Copco Secoroc LLCEvaluation of High Temperature Components for Use in Geothermal Tools
Avery Cashion, Sandia National LaboratoriesSURGE: Geothermal Drilling and Completions: Petroleum Practices Technology Transfer
Charlie Visser, National Renewable Energy LaboratoryTesting and Calibration of HT Wide-bandwidth Seismic Sensors for EGS Applications and Collaboration with IPGT Program
Ernest L. Majer, Lawrence Berkley National LaboratoryDeployment of Integrated Wide Bandgap Sensor, HT Packaging, and Data Communication System
Grzegorz Cieslewski, Sandia National LaboratoriesRecovery Act: Development of an Improved Cement for Geothermal Wells
George Trabits, Trabits Group, LLC
ARRA THMC Modeling
Eric Sonnenthal, Lawrence Berkley National LaboratoryRecovery Act: THMC Modeling of EGS Reservoirs - Continuum through Discontinuum Representations: Capturing Reservoir Stimulation, Evolution and Induced Seismicity
Dr. Derek Elsworth, Pennsylvania State UniversitySupport of the DOE GTO Model Comparison Activity
Mark White, Pacific Northwest National LaboratoryRecovery Act: Development of a Geomechanical Framework for the Analysis of MEQ in EGS Experiments (GEYSERS), & Analysis of Geothermal Reservoir Stimulation using Geomechanics-Based Stochastic Analysis
Dr. Ahmad Ghassemi, The Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma
Gas Generator Development and Testing for Controlled Rapid Pressurization Using Liquid Propellants for EGS Well Stimulation
Mark Grubelich, Sandia National LaboratoriesValidation of EGS Feasibility and Explosive Fracturing Techniques
Charles Carrigan, Lawrence Livermore National LaboratoriesReservoir Stimulation Optimization with Operational Monitoring for Creation of EGS
Carlos Fernandez, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Push-pull Well Testing using CO2 with Active Source Geophysical Monitoring
Curt Oldenburg, Lawrence Berkley National LaboratoryActive Management of Integrated Geothermal CO2 Storage Reservoirs in Sedimentary Formations
Tom Buscheck, Lawrence Livermore National LaboratoryGeothermal Energy Production Coupled with CCS: Heat Recovery Using an Innovative High Efficiency Supercritical CO2 Turboexpansion Cycle
Barry Freifeld, Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory
Concept Testing and Development at the Raft River Geothermal Field, Idaho
Joseph Moore, University of UtahArchive of Fenton Hill Data; Creation and Testing of Data Sets for Simulation and Testing
Sharad Kelkar, Los Alamos National LaboratoryPoroelastic Tomography by Adjoint Inverse Modeling of Data from Seismology, Geodesy, and Hydrology
Kurt Feigl, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMonitoring EGS Stimulation and Reservoir Dynamics with InSAR and MEQ
Nicholas Davatzes, Temple UniversityDemonstration of an Enhanced Geothermal System at the Northwest Geysers Geothermal Field, California
Mark Walters, Calpine - Geysers Power Company LLCGeysers Calpine Modeling
Jonny Rutqvist, Lawrence Berkley National LaboratoryEvaluation of Stimulation at Newberry Volcano EGS Demo Site Through Natural Isotopic Reactive Tracers and Geochemical Investigation
Eric Sonnenthal, Lawrence Berkley National LaboratoryFeasibility of EGS Development at Bradys Hot Springs, Nevada
Peter Drakos, Ormat Nevada, Inc.Recovery Act: Newberry Volcano EGS Demonstration
Susan Petty, AltaRock Energy, Inc.Bradys and Desert Peak Numerical Modeling
Sharad Kelkar, Los Alamos National LaboratoryEGS Reservoir Stimulations and Long-Term Performance Modeling
Mitch Plummer, Idaho National LaboratoryJoint Active and Passive Seismic Imaging of EGS Reservoirs
Lianjie Huang, Los Alamos National Laboratory