Geological exploration of energy storage reservoirs

What is geological thermal energy storage (GeoTES)?

Geological Thermal Energy Storage (GeoTES) Charged with Solar Thermal Technology Using Depleted Oil/Gas Reservoirs and Carnot-Battery Technique Using Shallow Reservoirs: Preprint. Golden, CO: National Renewable Energy Laboratory. NREL/CP-5700-88744.

Why do we need geological reservoirs?

The identification of adequate geological reservoirs is a key component of the development and implementation of an energy storage technology.

Why is energy storage important in the geological subsurface?

Energy storage in the geological subsurface provides large potential capacities to bridge temporal gaps between periods of production of solar or wind power and consumer demand and may also help to relieve the power grids.

Can a geological reservoir be used as a storage technology?

After identification of the existing geological reservoirs, the feasibility of adopting a specific storage technology will be a function of a techno-economic analysis. Understanding which factors will influence more this techno-economic analysis will vary with the storage technology.

What are potential storage reservoir sites in the geological underground?

Potential storage reservoir sites in the geological underground mainly comprise salt caverns, saline aquifers, depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs and rock caverns. Adapted from . Essentially, a geological reservoir is prepared prior to injection, to effectively create an underground, pressurised storage container.

How can geological formations ensure large-scale energy storage?

One way to ensure large-scale energy storage is to use the storage capacity in underground reservoirs, since geological formations have the potential to store large volumes of fluids with minimal impact to environment and society.