Coupled continuum modeling of fracture reactivation and induced seismicity during enhanced geothermal operations

We constructed a coupled model to obtain a better understanding of the role of pore pressure changes in causing fracture reactivation and seismicity during enhanced geothermal systems operation (EGS). We implemented constitutive models for fractures in a continuum approach, which is advantageous because of the ease of integration in existing...

Surface movement induced by geothermal operations

We investigated the impact of the exploitation of a geothermal well doublet on surface movement. We found that the largest effect should be expected from the progressive cooling of the reservoir, through the thermo-elastic coupling. The absolute value of the expected subsidence is low, but possibly measureable if circumstances are favourite. In...

3D subsurface temperature model of Europe for geothermal exploration

For the assessment of geothermal resources in Europe we constructed a digital 3D temperature model of the European crust and sedimentary basins, incorporating publicly available temperature data. Using European crustal thickness models and indirect parameters such as surface heat flow measurements, temperatures were calculated for regions where...

European resource assessment for geothermal energy and CO2 storage

Geothermal Energy and CO2 Capture and Storage (CCS) are both considered major contributors to the global energy transition. Their success critically depends on subsurface resource quality, which in turn depends on specific subsurface parameters. For CCS and Geothermal Energy these in some respect overlap and others differ. Here, an overview is...

Coulomb stress change during and after tensile fracture opening in a geothermal reservoir

Stress shadowing and the ratio of shear to normal stress in the rock surrounding a newly created tensile fracture are investigated. Shearing on plane of weakness near the stimulated volume can be inhibited or promoted by change in poro- and thermo-elastic stress, while pore pressure increase tends to promote failure, via reduction of effective...

Tectonic subsidence history and source-rock maturation in the Campos Basin, Brazil

The Campos Basin is a petroleum-productive, marginal sag basin along the Brazilian margin. It contains a stratigraphic sequence recording lithospheric extension and rift tectonics developing to a fully evolved postbreakup setting. We present a combined approach using subsidence analysis and basin history inversion models to make predictions on...

Subsurface temperature of the onshore Netherlands: new temperature dataset and modelling

Subsurface temperature is a key parameter for geothermal energy prospection in sedimentary basins. Here, we present the results of a 3D temperature modelling using a thermal-tectonic forward modelling method, calibrated with subsurface temperature measurements in the Netherlands. The first step involves the generation of a coherent dataset of...

Direct heat resource asswessment and subsurface information systems for geothermal aquifers: the Dutch perspective

Reservoir characterisation of aquifers for direct heat production: methodology and screening of the potential reservoirs for the Netherlands

Tectonics and subsidence evolution of the Sirt Basin, Libya

Backstripping analysis of 225 wells located within the Sirt Basin (Fig. 1) provide new constraints on the Sirt Basin development. Four coherent tectonic phases from Late Jurassic to present. The presentation of contour maps of subsidence and crustal stretching allows to visualize spatial and temporal stretching migration. A close match is...

Geomechanical modelling of compressive stress and overpressures in inverted basins.

Until now there is a lack of knowledge on quantified compressive tectonic stress and the impact on the development of overpressures. In this study geomechanical modelling of basin inversion was done to asses the feasability of the modelling tool DIANA for improved quantitative insight in the magnitude of horizontal stresses in a compressive...

Integrated geomechanical modelling for deep subsurface damage

Government, E&P and mining industry increasingly demand fundamental insight and accurate predictions on subsurface and surface deformation and damage due to exploitation of subsurface natural resources, and subsurface storage of energy residues (e.g. CO2). At this moment deformation is difficult to assess and prove, although economical,...

Integrated geomechanical modelling for prediction of subsidence and induced seismicity due to hydrocarbon extraction

Modelling the hydrocarbon generation and migration in the West Netherlands Basin, the Netherlands

The hydrocarbon systems of the Mesozoic, inverted West Netherlands Basin have been analyzed using 2-D forward modelling. Three source rocks are considered in the modelling: Lower Jurassic oil-prone shales, Westphalian gas-prone coal deposits, and Lower Namurian oil-prone shales. The Lower Namurian hydrocarbon system of the basin is discussed for...