The Future of Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Energy

As detailed in preceding chapters, the technical feasibility of HDR geothermal energy was clearly demonstrated at Fenton Hill, with the testing of two separate confined reservoirs. The major task now in view is moving this revolutionary new technology to its appropriate place in the world’s energy supply mix. Obviously, technical feasibility is not enough: HDR must also be capable of supplying useful amounts of energy economically. For that requirement to be met, several issues—which have yet to be adequately addressed—will need to be resolved.