The Unlocking New Levels of Output and Capacity for Key Subsurface Resources (UNLOCK) program seeks to deliver a step-change improvement in energy and critical resource extraction from the subsurface. This program will address persistent geological and technical obstacles that impede efficient recovery from diverse subsurface resources including oil, natural gas, geothermal, and mineral systems. UNLOCK will target key opportunities including improving extraction efficiency from low permeability formations, maximizing resource recovery, and optimizing water management, while maintaining cost efficiency. The program aims to improve upon state-of-the-art (SoA) methods by:
Achieving this goal requires transformative approaches that integrate innovative stimulation and enhanced recovery processes with advanced sensing and comprehensive numerical and experimental modeling. If successful, this program will transform subsurface resource recovery, directly advancing ARPA-E’s statutory goals of reducing foreign energy imports and enhancing energy security and infrastructure resilience.