"Magma power generation" also called the ultimate geothermal power generation advances toward realization

ByPierre c. 38

In recent years as a clean power generation method that does not use fossil fuels,Geothermal power generationAlthough attention is being paid, among other things, "using the high heat of volcanic magma to generate electricity"Magma power generation"Is expected as a technology that can produce huge energy. It seems that Iceland, one of the world's leading volcanic countries, has taken the first step toward realizing that magma power generation

Geothermics | Vol 49, Pgs 1-128, (January, 2014) | ScienceDirect.com
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/03756505/49/supp/C

Drilling surprise opens door to volcano-powered electricity
http://theconversation.com/drilling-surprise-opens-door-to-volcano-powered-electricity-22515


In 2009, the Iceland Underground Mining Project (IDDP) was mining tested for geothermal power development in the Krafla region in northeastern Iceland and it was going to dig down the ground to 5000 meters underground, but by accident At about 2100 meters below groundMagma chamberI dug it. In addition, IDDP planned to dig a few mining holes, but it was said that IDDP-1 was named because it was the hole that first hit the magma, which was the first hole to drill.

Dr. Wilfred Elders, a geologist at the University of California, says, "It is very uncommon for drill drills to arrive at magma, because there was only one case in Hawaii in 2007." In the case of Hawaii, measures were taken to block the drilled holes with concrete, but IDDP and Krafla geothermal power plant, which jointly proceed with the geothermal power generation project, to fund development without filling IDDP - 1 We decided to reinforce the hole with metal and kept the shape of the hole while maintaining a very close distance from the magma. Then, the heat was slowly released from the hole and succeeded in successively releasing high temperature and high pressure steam at 450 degrees for several months.

ByThinkGeoEnergy

Dr. Elders said, "Considering that the steam temperature used in the geothermal power generation in the UK is 60 to 80 degrees, the high energy of steam from IDDP - 1 is outstanding." Although the calorific value of steam released from IDDP - 1 is estimated to be 36 MW (36 MW), although it is small compared to 660 MW (660 MW) of a general coal - fired power plant, It is worth more than half of the output of 60 MW (60 million watts) of geothermal power generation done in Krafla.

Dr. Elders said, "The most important thing in this outcome is to demonstrate that magma power generation is feasible, and IDDP-1 is the world's first geothermal system to extract energy directly from magma, It is an achievement that leads to the realization of magma power generation.

Dr. Gillian Folgar of the Durham University in the UK said it is surprising that IDDP - 1 has digged the magma, but this is a small example and will not break down the cautious stance of realizing Magma power generation. However, Dr. Forger pointed out that there is a possibility that magmas may be digging in the same shallow spot in the same way in some activated areas of the volcanic zone, and it is worthwhile to advance research on magma power generation I am talking.


In Japan, which is the volcanic archipelago, expectation for magma power generation is large, according to one theory it is said to have potential resources that can cover nearly three times the total electricity demand in Japan. However, in geothermal power generation, many of the development opportunities against developing development from hot spring areas are located in national parks and designated natural parks,Natural park lawThere are many problems in developing such as not being allowed to construct a power station. However, in consideration of its high potential potential, I would like to expect the development of geothermal power generation and magma power generation to proceed in Japan.