A sustainable clean energy source for mitigating CO2 emissions: numerical simulation of Hamit granitoid, Central Anatolian Massif

Abstract

Türkiye relies on coal-fired power plants for approximately 18 GW of annual electricity generation, with significantly higher CO2 emissions compared to geothermal power plants. On the other hand, geothermal energy resources, such as Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) and hydrothermal systems, offer low CO2 emissions and baseload power, making them attractive clean energy sources. Radiogenic granitoid, with high heat generation capacity, is a potential and cleaner energy source using EGS. The Anatolian plateau hosts numerous tectonic zones with plutonic rocks containing high concentrations of radioactive elements, such as the Central Anatolian Massif. This study evaluates the power generation capacity of the Hamit granitoid (HG) and presents a thermo-hydraulic-mechanical (THM) model for a closed-loop geothermal well for harnessing heat from this granitoid. A sensitivity analysis based on fluid injection rates and wellbore length emphasizes the importance of fluid resident time for effective heat extraction. Closed-loop systems pose fewer geomechanical risks than fractured systems and can be developed through site selection, system design, and monitoring. Geothermal wellbore casing material must withstand high temperatures, corrosive environments, and should have low thermal conductivity. The HG exhibits the highest heat generation capacity among Anatolian granitoid intrusions and offers potential for sustainable energy development through EGS, thereby reducing CO2 emissions.

Experimental Study on the Effect of Cyclic Heating and Water Cooling on Mixed-Mode I-II Fracture Characteristics of Sandstone

“…This will induce thermal stress and cause thermal damage to rock mass, which will reduce the stability of the wall rock and even cause hole collapse and fracture of the well wall [4][5][6]. In addition, an enhanced geothermal system is an important method to develop deep geothermal resources [7][8][9]. Hydraulic fracturing and other engineering techniques are employed to artificially construct reservoirs, creating fractures that serve as conduits for enhanced percolation and heat transfer, facilitating efficient heat extraction.…”