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A comprehensive review on exploration and exploitation of offshore geothermal energy

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Abstract

World’s ocean has abundance of geothermal energy. Exploration and exploitation of the same is in nascent stage. Several exploration sensors like magnetic, optical, chemical, etc., are towed from ships to sea floor for exploration. Several researches are carried out for drilling these explored hot spots. Once the energy is exploited, the same is transferred to power plant located on land. In this paper, three different types of power plants are discussed namely onshore power plant, offshore power plant, and power generation using the thermoelectric method. This paper narrates the current status of offshore geothermal technology which also includes the technology readiness level of this method. The paper also mentions the parameters which are required for designing of offshore geothermal power plants. Along with the technical aspects of offshore geothermal exploration and exploitation, this paper also talks about the environmental impact of these techniques on marine life. Demonstrative case studies from Indonesia and Italy are presented in this paper. The technical and economic study of the case studies are also briefed. The learnings from these countries may be utilized for the exploration and exploitation of offshore geothermal hotspots of India. Through this paper, it will be easy to understand the technical, financial, and environmental aspects of offshore geothermal technology for developing countries in the field of geothermal.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre of Excellence for Geothermal Energy, Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University, Raisan, Gandhinagar, 382007, India

    Anirbid Sircar, Namrata Bist & Kriti Yadav

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  1. Anirbid Sircar
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  2. Namrata Bist
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Correspondence to Anirbid Sircar.

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Sircar, A., Bist, N. & Yadav, K. A comprehensive review on exploration and exploitation of offshore geothermal energy. Mar Syst Ocean Technol 17, 135–146 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40868-022-00120-3

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