| Abstract |
Superhot rock (SHR) geothermal energy (≥375°C, >22MPa), offers transformative potential as a high energy-density, carbon-free, baseload power source. Despite its promise, no SHR reservoir has yet been successfully harnessed, though deep drilling projects, including dry wells and supercritical fluid experiments, have provided critical insights. The development of SHR can face multifaceted challenges as its resources are typically often situated in geologically complex regions (e.g., volcanic arcs, rift zones, or tectonic boundaries), requiring advanced exploration technologies and site-specific strategies to mitigate technical and economic risks. This study presents a comparative analysis of SHR demonstration sites across diverse geodynamic settings, such as Newberry Volcano (United States), Hengill Volcanic System (Iceland), central Taupō Volcanic Zone (New Zealand), Menengai caldera system (Kenya), Larderello intrusive complex (Italy), Los Humeros caldera system (Mexico), Kakkonda volcanic intrusion (Japan), and Garibaldi volcanic belt (Canada) to evaluate the methods used for characterizing the geodynamic structures and processes associated with potential SHR resources. We assess advanced imaging techniques and resulting site-specific models, such as high-resolution geophysical tomography, joint inversion, machine learning, and play fairway analysis for fracture network, stress, and heat mapping to understand why certain methods succeed in specific geological contexts (e.g., magmatic vs. amagmatic systems) while underperforming in others. By synthesizing geophysical/geological data across these settings, we can propose high-resolution geophysics sensor deployment strategies to improve uncertainty and interpretative models to mitigate SHR site risks, enhance understanding of SHR pilot sites, and accelerate the development of SHR geothermal technologies as a commercially viable solution for widespread deployment. |