GEOTHERMAL ENERGY

Geothermal phase change energy storage
In geothermal energy storage systems, phase change materials play a crucial role by storing excess thermal energy generated from geothermal sources. When the geothermal system produces more heat than needed, the PCMs absorb this energy and store it as latent heat during phase changes. [pdf]
Geothermal well energy storage
“It can't just be any hole in the ground,” explained Augustine, a researcher with NREL’s geothermal research group. The idea is to use depleted oil and gas wells as a reservoir for the storage of compressed natural gas. As needed, the gas can be released to spin a turbine and generate electricity. [pdf]