Webinars
GEMex webinars on EGS and Superhot geothermal system (SHGS) materials available:
GEMex Final Conference
The final conference of GEMex served as a platform to present and discuss results from the projects and to learn about other researches and projects related to the topics of superhot geothermal sources (SHGS) and hot EGS. Contributions were encouraged and welcome addressing any of the aspects associated with the investigation, development and/or exploitation of such geothermal resources in any part of the world.
The GEMex Final Conference proceedings are available in the project result page, D2.8.
The GEMex Final Conference posters and presentations can be donwloaded here.
Ambition
GEMex has the ambition to bring together the extended Mexican know how of discovering, developing, and deploying conventional geothermal energy systems with a variety of European expertise from similar geothermal energy systems (Italy, Iceland etc.), of developing EGS technology, and finding new approaches to make use of super-hot geothermal systems. The approach should lead to concepts for extended future deployment of geothermal energy in Europe and Mexico. This will be done by common site developments, one for hot-EGS (Enhanced Geothermal Systems) and one for SHGS (Super-Hot Geothermal Systems). This approach will open synergies of competencies and technologies and will lead to an acceleration of the learning curve for geothermal development. Potential drill paths will be developed in the target areas in order to maximise the scientific output. The findings will be compared to extended experiences in EGS projects in Europe and elsewhere and with the few SHGS-projects in Europe (IDDP1) and Japan (Kakkonda).
GEMex ID-CARD
| Acronym | GEMex |  |
| Title | Cooperation in Geothermal energy research Europe-Mexico for development of Enhanced Geothermal Systems and Superhot Geothermal Systems | |
| Topic | LCE-23-2016 | |
| Call identifier | H2020-LCE-2016-RES-CCS-RIA | |
| Grant Agreement number | 727550 | |
| Duration | 44 Months | |
| Start date | 01/10/2016 | |
| Estimated project cost | 9'999'792.50 € | |
| Requested EU contribution | 9'999'792.50 € | |
Acoculco
The site at Acoculco, foreseen for EGS development, has been explored by two deep wells drilled by the CFE (Comisión Federal de Electricidad). These wells found hardly any fluids but temperatures around 300°C at a depth of 2 km. The lack of fluids at depth is surprising, as this area of Mexico is subject to abundant precipitation. Nonetheless, the high temperature gradient makes it an interesting target for exploitation and the lack of a clear resource makes it an ideal region for testing our knowledge on how to constrain an area where EGS can be performed.
Los Humeros
The geothermal system at Los Humeros is currently exploited. The northern part of the area, however, is much hotter (>380°C) than the wells used for production today. The development of this part of the reservoir presents a challenge, both because of the high temperature and because of the water chemistry. In addition, the area has only been poorly characterised by geophysical and geological surveys. Therefore our understanding required for the development and exploitation of this super-hot resource is limited. The uncertainty about the potential of this resource and the technical challenges involved with the development of such a super-hot geothermal system currently prevent its economic development.
