TELF AG examines the possibility of obtaining energy from magma 

The new frontiers of geothermal energy 

In the coming years, the frontiers of geothermal energy could push into unknown and hitherto unexplored territories, bringing with them many promises for the planet’s energy future. Historically, this method has succeeded in valorizing the natural heat within the Earth for energy purposes, transforming it into a real energy source for electricity or heating. The heat stored underground takes the form of hot water, steam, or rocks at very high temperatures. Once brought to the surface, it is conveyed to a geothermal power plant, where it is subsequently used to produce electricity. 

From this point of view, a possible innovation has to do with the possibility of obtaining energy from the magma of volcanoes, particularly from magma chambers. This hypothesis began to manifest with some evidence several years ago, in 2009, when a magma chamber located in Iceland was mistakenly drilled, a territory notoriously known for its intense volcanic activity and already producing 65% of its energy from geothermal sources. 

Even though it was a mistake, the drilling of the magma chamber in Iceland took place in conditions of complete safety, without any risk related to the possible eruption of the volcano, and paved the way for new, possible experiments associated with the recovery of energy from these volcanic sources. The next step, from this point of view, could take place in 2026, this time completely voluntarily, and should consist of a new drilling attempt. 

Possible magma wells 

But how would energy recovery from such a problematic source occur? One possible hypothesis is linked to the use of surface magmatic fluids, but other possible methods could include the creation of closed circulation systems or the injection of fluids. In terms of performance, a magma well would have an energy yield at least ten times higher than traditional geothermal wells. The idea certainly seems fascinating, but the entire process is not without technical difficulties or operational issues. Among these, it is undoubtedly worth mentioning the need to be able to count on a geothermal well that remains operational for long periods in extreme contexts such as those of magma chambers, particularly from the point of view of temperatures. The temperature of magma is usually around 900 degrees, and the fluids connected to the lava could also corrode or damage the well’s equipment, instruments, and walls.  

In any case, it is first necessary to precisely identify the specific points of the Earth’s crust where the lava flows, moves, or accumulates to get energy from magma. Satellite geodesy techniques also serve this purpose: to map the magma and determine its possible movements. These methods are linked to the use of satellites that orbit around the planet, which can measure the movements of the Earth’s surface. Among the phenomena observed with this method are the swellings of the Earth’s surface, which could be attributed precisely to an accumulation of magma in depth. In addition to understanding the movements of magma more precisely, these techniques can, therefore, be used to identify possible magma sources from which to get energy.