Funding will support the project team's small-scale research and development of a high-temperature sliding sleeve to increase energy recovery in enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) by 200 percent to 500 percent by increasing the contact area between the connected fracture system and the reservoir rock matrix.
Office of NEPA Policy and Compliance
September 22, 2025
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Funding will support the project team's small-scale research and development of a high-temperature sliding sleeve to increase energy recovery in enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) by 200 percent to 500 percent by increasing the contact area between the connected fracture system and the reservoir rock matrix. Specifically, the project team will (1) design, develop, validate, and finalize sleeve based on well site characteristics, (2) gather site specifications for well fracture development and operations, (3) finalize sleeve design, manufacture sliding sleeves and associated components, (4) test and validate sliding sleeve assemblies above ground, (5) finalize well fracture operation using on-site data, (6) install sliding sleeves and diagnostic data collection system at well site, test and validate to meet system requirements prior to operation, (7) conduct test fracture operations and collect diagnostic data to analyze system operations and validate results, and (8) compare system results with standard geothermal fracturing practices to ensure project outcomes meet performance metrics. If successful, this project will result in a technology capable of creating optimal fracture networks, enhancing operational efficiency and energy recovery in EGS, and ultimately reduce dependence on foreign energy sources, thereby increasing U.S. energy security.