Geothermal Energy and Its Potential for Critical Metal Extraction—A Review

János Szanyi (), Ladislaus Rybach and Hawkar A. Abdulhaq
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János Szanyi: Geothermal Energy Applied Research Centre, University of Szeged, Egyetem Utca, 2, 6722 Szeged, Hungary
Ladislaus Rybach: Institute of Geophysics, ETH Zurich, Sonneggstrasse 5, CH-8092 Zurich, Switzerland
Hawkar A. Abdulhaq: Department of Mineralogy, Geochemistry, and Petrology, University of Szeged, Egyetem Utca, 2, 6722 Szeged, Hungary

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 20, 1-28

Abstract: In an era of accelerating energy transition and growing demand for critical metals essential for clean technologies, the innovative integration of geothermal energy with critical metal extraction stands as a paradigm shift in sustainable resource utilization. This comprehensive review unravels the synergistic potential of coupling geothermal energy systems with critical metal extraction, thereby transforming a dual crisis of energy and resource scarcity into an opportunity for circular economy. Through rigorous analysis of existing geothermal technologies, and extraction methodologies, the study establishes a coherent framework that merges energy production with environmental stewardship. It scrutinizes current extraction techniques, and evaluates their compatibility with geothermal brine characteristics, proposing optimized pathways for maximum yield. Through detailed case studies and empirical data, the paper elucidates the economic and environmental advantages of this multifaceted approach, from reduced carbon footprint to enhanced energy efficiency and resource recovery. It concludes that combined heat and mineral production technology can open new, unexplored resources, increasing the supply of previously untapped resources, while the potential of geothermal energy for sustainable mineral extraction and energy production is in line with Sustainable Development Goal 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

Keywords: geothermal energy utilization; critical raw materials (CRM); Combined Heat Power and Metal extraction (CHPM); Petrothermal Enhanced Geothermal System (PEGS) (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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