IGCP636
Our story
This international research group has its origin within the successful experience with the previous IGCP project “Unifying international research forces to unlock and strengthen geothermal exploitation of the Americas and Europe” (2016-2019)
The 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals was adopted in 2015 by all countries of the United Nations.
In particular, the targets goal #7 are the increase of renewable energies in the global energy mix and the enhancement of international cooperation to facilitate access to clean renewable energy research and technology are promoted.
These targets define the background of this project, which aims at promoting the sustainable use of natural resources.
The activities proposed by this research team include to engage local authorities, civil society, and other stakeholders, paying attention to local needs and concerns, enabling co-design of new strategies and measures for the development of green skills for the world population.
Our research lines
Deep Geothermal Resources
High and medium-low enthalpy geothermal system processes
Improve the understanding of mechanisms governing high and medium-low enthalpy geothermal system processes, such as heat and mass transfer in fractured and porous media, fluid-rock interactions, rock fissuring, and reactivation of existing faults, through:
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Monitoring, collecting, and sharing available data to enhance the building of conceptual models
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Sharing modeling experiences to provide information about different software and their capabilities
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Sharing laboratory facilities, taking advantage of students’ mobility
Shallow Geothermal Energy
Medium-low enthalpy geothermal energy extraction systems
Foster the installation of shallow geothermal systems, through:
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Analysis and feasibility of geothermal heat pump
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Use of other energy technology equipment/systems (such as thermosiphons, ejectors, ORC and others) and development of advanced practices to render this source of energy accessible
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Use of groundwater to directly cool buildings and mitigate the urban heat island effect
Education
Educational activities about geoscience and geothermal
Promote educational activities about geoscience and geothermal as renewable, clean, and base-load energy through:
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Analysis of previous educational experiences in some of the participating countries
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Building of our dissemination and learning activities to share knowledge of geoscience and geothermal resources to children
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Promoting training activities, such as diploma or workshops, for project members and guests focused on vital issues for the development of geothermal energy in each country (low and high enthalpy)