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Fundamental Research
News 14 September 2023

Geothermal plugging: what are the mechanisms and what are the levers for action?

Over time, high-temperature geothermal sites can experience plugging problems. The cause: extremely fine clays in the reinjection water, which progressively reduce the permeability of the underground environment, despite the treatments applied to the surface water. Thesis work has shed light on the mechanisms involved, and provided a glimpse of the means of action that will enable injectivity to be maintained.

FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH, THE BUILDING BLOCK FOR FUTURE INNOVATION

Objectives pursued, scientific challenges to be overcome, partnerships proposed: watch a video on IFPEN’s fundamental research strategy.

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Research in a few figures

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    R&I engineers and technicians
  • 30%
    of budget dedicated to fundamental research
  • 9
    disciplinary fields
  • 15
    active fundamental research framework agreements