A Probabilistic Study of CO2 Plume Geothermal and Hydrothermal Systems: A Sensitivity Study of Different Reservoir Conditions in Williston Basin, North Dakota

Abstract

The exploration of alternative energy sources has gained significant traction in recent years, driven by the urgent need to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and transition towards sustainable energy. Among these alternatives, CO2 plume geothermal and hydrothermal systems have emerged as promising options due to their potential for providing clean, renewable energy. This study presents a probabilistic investigation into the sensitivity of CO2 plume geothermal and hydrothermal systems under various reservoir conditions in the Williston Basin, North Dakota. In addition to elucidating the impact of reservoir conditions on system performance, the study utilizes probabilistic methods to assess energy output of CO2 plume geothermal and hydrothermal systems. Insights derived from this probabilistic investigation offer valuable guidance for the working fluid selection, systems design and optimization in the Williston Basin and beyond. Results from the sensitivity analysis reveal the profound influence of reservoir conditions on the behavior and efficiency of CO2 plume geothermal and hydrothermal systems. Our case study on Red River Formation and Deadwood Formations shows a potential of 34% increase and 32% decrease in heat extraction based on varying reservoir conditions. Our investigations in the Beaver Lodge field within the Red River Formation yielded arithmetic mean values for CO2 best case resources, hydrothermal resources and the CO2 worst case as 6.36 × 1018 J, 4.75 × 1018 J and 3.24 × 1018 J, respectively. Overall, this research contributes to advancing the knowledge and understanding of CO2 plume geothermal and hydrothermal systems as viable pathways towards sustainable energy production and carbon sequestration. By highlighting the sensitivity of these systems to reservoir conditions, the study provides valuable insights that can inform decision-making processes and future research endeavours aimed at fostering the transition to a low-carbon energy landscape.