How do enhanced geothermal systems use hot dry rock to generate electricity?

Enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) allow for electricity generation in regions that lack naturally occurring steam or hot water reservoirs by exploiting hot dry rock resources.12

The process functions through the following steps:

• Fracturing: Operators drill deep wells into hot, low-permeability rock. Using high-pressure water injection—a process similar to fracking—they force open existing fractures or create new ones to increase the rock's permeability.132
• Heat Exchange: Once a subsurface fracture system is established, a heat transfer fluid (typically water) is injected into the hot rock. As the fluid circulates through the heated fissures, it absorbs thermal energy from the rock.12
• Energy Conversion: The heated fluid is returned to the surface, where its thermal energy is used to power turbines that drive electrical generators to produce electricity.12

While EGS expands the potential for geothermal energy beyond traditional volcanic or seismic "hot spots," the high-pressure injection techniques carry the risk of inducing seismic activity, known as induced seismicity.324