With support from EERE, Composite Technology Development Inc. advanced several technologies related to geothermal energy extraction. The company developed materials designed to create and conserve geothermal reservoirs in harsh down-hole environments to produce energy. Composite used an innovative polymer material to enhance the reservoir, preventing leakage and targeting fluid contact with the hottest zones in the subsurface. Contact with the hot rock heated the fluid to sufficient temperatures for geothermal energy production. Composite also developed electronic systems that can sustain higher temperatures and pressures than existing systems—enabling well monitoring of enhanced geothermal systems, among other applications. With these innovations, the company was able to develop a pilot-scale commercial manufacturing plan for high-performance, composite-based wire insulation material, originally developed by DOE laboratories, for mechanical durability in extreme conditions.

Positive Impact

To reduce the cost of EGS operations, DOE and Composite Technology developed pilot-scale high-temperature manufacturing tools for harsh downhole geothermal environments.

Locations

Colorado

Partners

Composite Technology Development Inc.

EERE Investment

$3.3 million

Clean Energy Sector

Renewable electricity generation

The Geothermal Technologies Office researches, develops, and validates innovative and cost-competitive technologies and tools to locate, access, and develop geothermal resources in the United States.

The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) success stories highlight the positive impact of its work with businesses, industry partners, universities, research labs, and other entities.