Current trends in the development of geothermal resources

Abstract

Based on the analysis of publications in world publications, as well as a generalization of the experience of developing domestic geothermal fields, current trends in the development of geothermal resources are shown. The key trend is considered to be the transition from subsidized to commercial projects, which increases the relevance of research in areas that have a significant impact on the economic efficiency of resource development processes, primarily in the direction of geothermal technologies. In terms of subsidized projects that set research goals, the most relevant are works in the direction of EGS (Enhanced Geothermal Systems). Moreover, there is a tendency towards the creation of international interdisciplinary collaborative research teams. It is noted that the current level of technology development allows producing geothermal energy for use in local heat supply systems practically anywhere in the world. However, given the concentration of power per unit area, the basis of modern geothermal energy is still the direction associated with the rise of deep fluids to the surface in areas characterized by the presence of ascending flows of hot juvenile fluids. It is indicated that Russia is lagging behind the world level of progress in the development of geothermal resources, including in terms of current research and development directions, and measures are proposed to overcome this lag.