Funding will support the project team's small-scale research and development of smart screens that can automatically control fluid flow in enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) based on temperature by overcoming the challenges of premature thermal breakthrough and non-uniform heat extraction by enabling autonomous, temperature-based flow control without complex electronics or chemical treatments.
Office of NEPA Policy and Compliance
September 9, 2025
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Funding will support the project team's small-scale research and development of smart screens that can automatically control fluid flow in enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) based on temperature by overcoming the challenges of premature thermal breakthrough and non-uniform heat extraction by enabling autonomous, temperature-based flow control without complex electronics or chemical treatments. Specifically, the project team will (1) model, develop and refine smart screen materials and composition, (2) identify final material composition of smart screen components, (3) test, evaluate, and verify performance of smart screen components to meet predetermined durability standards and metrics, and (4) develop design for full smart screen assembly. If successful, this project will result in a technology to make EGS more efficient and economically viable, leading to increased geothermal energy production and reducing dependence on foreign energy sources, thereby increasing U.S. energy security.