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A review of Geological Thermal Energy Storage for seasonal, grid-scale dispatching

Author

Listed:
  • Witter, Erik
  • Dobson, Patrick
  • Akindipe, Dayo
  • McTigue, Joshua
  • Atkinson, Trevor
  • Kumar, Ram
  • Sonnenthal, Eric
  • Zhu, Guangdong

Abstract

Energy storage is essential for the decarbonization of the U.S. energy grid, especially with the increasing deployment of variable renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Geological thermal energy storage (GeoTES) has emerged as a promising long duration, grid scale solution, providing stability and security through flexible operations and valuable grid services. GeoTES utilizes subsurface reservoirs to store thermal energy for power generation and direct-use heating and cooling. This approach significantly enhances the use of low-temperature reservoirs, which would otherwise be unsuitable for geothermal power plants. It also aligns well with depleted oil and gas reservoirs, concentrating solar power, non-flexible renewables (photovoltaic and wind), and geothermal-related power cycles. Given the favorable marginal costs of GeoTES as storage duration increases, it becomes particularly competitive for seasonal, grid-scale dispatch, where few technologies are viable.

Suggested Citation

  • Witter, Erik & Dobson, Patrick & Akindipe, Dayo & McTigue, Joshua & Atkinson, Trevor & Kumar, Ram & Sonnenthal, Eric & Zhu, Guangdong, 2025. "A review of Geological Thermal Energy Storage for seasonal, grid-scale dispatching," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 218(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:218:y:2025:i:c:s1364032125004344
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2025.115761
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