Integrating geothermal energy and carbon capture and storage technologies: A review

• Published in: Renewable & sustainable energy reviews 2025-03, Vol.210, p.115179, Article 115179
• Main Authors: Loschetter, A., Kervévan, C., Stead, R., Le Guénan, T., Dezayes, C., Clarke, N.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Carbon capture and storage; Comparison; Earth Sciences; Geothermal energy; Hybridization; Review; Sciences of the Universe; Synergy
• ISSN: 1364-0321; 1879-0690
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2024.115179

Geothermal energy production and CO2 capture and storage are two promising technological solutions for mitigating climate change and addressing the need for a sustainable global energy supply. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of concepts that combine and integrate these technologies. A comprehensive literature review has been conducted, resulting in the mapping of fifteen hybrid concepts. Certain concepts use supercritical CO2 as the heat vector, some inject dissolved CO2 into the geothermal brine, and others propose the separate use of distinct fluids for each purpose. Subsurface competition among the concepts is lower than could be initially expected: even if some concepts target similar formations at different depths and temperatures, a number of concepts are designed for specific subsurface characteristics. Besides, the concepts integrate differently into the value chains of CO2 capture and storage and provide different energy services. Most technologies are at low-to-intermediate maturity levels. Scaling up of these technologies would require addressing technical and non-technical challenges that share several similarities. Recommendations include promoting demonstration projects, fostering collaborative research, proposing incentives for CO2 storage or emissions reduction, and advocating for a more flexible regulatory framework for hybrid applications. Through a series of carefully designed infographics, this work aims at providing a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals, facilitating a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the full spectrum of hybrid concepts. [Display omitted] •This study presents a review of concepts that combine geothermal energy and CCS.•Comparative infographics help to quickly visualise the main features of concepts.•Requirements and objectives of each concept are detailed to facilitate comparison.