New Energy Series: Next-Generation Geothermal Power, Wilson Ricks
Ricks is a postdoctoral researcher in the Zero-carbon Energy systems Research and Optimization (ZERO) Laboratory at Princeton University, where he recently earned his PhD.
Join us online for a talk with Wilson Ricks, Postdoctoral Researcher, Princeton University. Ricks will present a talk titled "Next-Generation Geothermal Power and its Role in the Energy System."
Ricks' research uses optimization-based energy systems modeling tools to explore the impacts of technologies and policies on the decarbonization of the energy sector. His primary areas of focus include next-generation geothermal power and temporally granular emissions accounting.
Abstract
Geothermal power is an established source of renewable, round-the-clock electricity and heat, but accounts for only a tiny fraction of global energy consumption today due to its dependence on unique geologic conditions. Next-generation geothermal technologies under development today, including enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), have the potential to make much greater contributions to decarbonization by vastly expanding the geographic range where geothermal power generation is possible. In this talk I will discuss recent research that employed energy systems modeling methods to optimize the design and operations of EGS power plants and explore their potential value and role in future electricity systems. I will focus in particular on the potential for EGS to provide long-duration energy storage via modulation of well flow rates.
About the New Energy Series
New Energy: Conversations with Early-Career Energy Researchers is an online series featuring graduate, post-doctoral, and other early-career researchers sharing their discoveries and perspectives on energy-related topics. From policy to analysis to emerging technology, this series will give anyone interested in energy the opportunity to learn from the rising stars in the field.
