DEEPU

Deep U-tube heat exchanger breakthrough: combining laser and cryogenics gas for geothermal energy exploitation

DeepU has been funded under the EIC Pathfinder programme (G.A. 101046937) by the European Commission as part of Horizon Europe, which supports early-stage projects developing revolutionary, high-risk/high-gain technologies with the potential to create new markets and address global changes. The technology envisaged by the project aims to extract geothermal energy from deep underground (>4km) using vitrified, impermeable and non-cracked U-tube heat exchangers, combining laser and cryogenic gas in a single drilling solution. In this way, the project aims to ensure greater accessibility of deep geothermal resources for the production of stable, continuous and low-carbon energy.

In addition, the laboratory-scale demonstration will provide the necessary information to assess the technological, environmental and economic sustainability and define the potential and commercial attractiveness of the proposed solution. 

Start date: 1 March 2022

Duration: 36 months

CNR scientific referee: Dr. Adele Manzella, CNR-IGG (adele.manzella@igg.cnr.it)

Website: https://www.deepu.eu