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Research Progress on CO 2 as Geothermal Working Fluid: A Review

Author

Listed:
  • Lianghan Cong

    (Construction Engineering College, Jilin University, Changchun 130026, China)

  • Shuaiyi Lu

    (Construction Engineering College, Jilin University, Changchun 130026, China)

  • Pan Jiang

    (Construction Engineering College, Jilin University, Changchun 130026, China)

  • Tianqi Zheng

    (Construction Engineering College, Jilin University, Changchun 130026, China)

  • Ziwang Yu

    (Construction Engineering College, Jilin University, Changchun 130026, China)

  • Xiaoshu Lü

    (Department of Electrical Engineering and Energy Technology, University of Vaasa, P.O. Box 700, FIN-65101 Vaasa, Finland
    Department of Civil Engineering, Aalto University, P.O. Box 12100, FIN-02150 Espoo, Finland)

Abstract

With the continuous increase in global greenhouse gas emissions, the impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly severe. In this context, geothermal energy has gained significant attention due to its numerous advantages. Alongside advancements in CO 2 geological sequestration technology, the use of CO 2 as a working fluid in geothermal systems has emerged as a key research focus. Compared to traditional water-based working fluids, CO 2 possesses lower viscosity and higher thermal expansivity, enhancing its mobility in geothermal reservoirs and enabling more efficient heat transfer. Using CO 2 as a working fluid not only improves geothermal energy extraction efficiency but also facilitates the long-term sequestration of CO 2 within reservoirs. This paper reviews recent research progress on the use of CO 2 as a working fluid in Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), with a focus on its potential advantages in improving heat exchange efficiency and power generation capacity. Additionally, the study evaluates the mineralization and sequestration effects of CO 2 in reservoirs, as well as its impact on reservoir properties. Finally, the paper discusses the technological developments and economic analyses of integrating CO 2 as a working fluid with other technologies. By systematically reviewing the research on CO 2 in EGS, this study provides a theoretical foundation for the future development of geothermal energy using CO 2 as a working fluid.

Suggested Citation

  • Lianghan Cong & Shuaiyi Lu & Pan Jiang & Tianqi Zheng & Ziwang Yu & Xiaoshu Lü, 2024. "Research Progress on CO 2 as Geothermal Working Fluid: A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-18, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:21:p:5415-:d:1510214
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yilong Yuan & Xinli Zhang & Han Yu & Chenghao Zhong & Yu Wang & Dongguang Wen & Tianfu Xu & Fabrizio Gherardi, 2025. "Research Progress and Technical Challenges of Geothermal Energy Development from Hot Dry Rock: A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-28, March.

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