“The strategic objective is to develop a novel and potentially disruptive technological solution”
The strategic objective of CHPM2030 is to develop a novel and potentially disruptive technological solution that can help satisfy the European needs for energy and strategic metals in a single interlinked process. In the CHPM technology vision the metal-bearing deep geological formation will be manipulated in a way that the co-production of energy and metals will be possible, and may be optimised according to the market demands.
The specific objectives of the project are:
Deliver proof of concept for the technological and economic feasibility of mobilisation of metals from ultra-deep mineral deposits using a combination of geo-engineering techniques to enhance the interconnected fracture systems within the orebody
Develop innovative pathways for leaching strategic metals from the geological formation and corresponding electrochemical methods for metal removal and recovery on the surface
Develop metallic-mineral formation specific solutions for the co-generation of electricity using salt-gradient power reverse electrodialysis
Develop conceptual designs of a new type of future facility that is designed and operated from the very beginning as a combined heat, power and mineral extraction system
Develop an economic feasibility assessment model to be applied for such new facilities
Develop a new conceptual framework that increases the total number of economically viable geothermal resources in Europe below a depth of 4 km including high-enthalpy resources
Turn the inherent characteristics of these new resources (extreme content of dissolved metals and often very high temperatures) into an advantage by proposing a new type of geothermal facility
Develop an integrated feasibility assessment framework for evaluating the environmental and socio-economical impacts of the proposed new technology line
Combine metallogenic models with geothermal datasets to develop a database of suitable areas in selected case-study areas in Europe where such developments could be feasible
Develop a roadmap in support of the pilot implementation of such system before 2025, and the full-scale commercial implementation before 2030