GeoVision Analysis: Exploration Task Force Report

Assessing Low-Temperature Geothermal Play Types: Relevant Data and Play Fairway Analysis Methods

“…A SBGTP includes important factors such as heat source or heat flow, circulating fluid (natural or injected) or heat transport mechanism, reservoir porosity/permeability and storage (natural or induced), and reservoir seal. These features are different from hydrocarbon play systems, which are defined by their source rock, reservoir properties, and trap (Doughty et al 2018).…”

“…Orogenic Belt Type Basement Type Low-temperature geothermal resources have not been studied as extensively as highertemperature geothermal resources, but there is recent interest in improving understanding of these types of resources because of the potential for geothermal technologies to help decarbonize heating and cooling systems. In addition, EGS, advanced geothermal systems (AGS) and other emerging technologies for exploiting petrothermal resources have opened up the possibility of utilizing deep sedimentary basin systems for heat and power, where porous media provide permeability, and high temperatures can be reached at great depths (Doughty et al 2018).…”

GeoVision Analysis Supporting Task Force Report: Electric Sector Potential to Penetration

“…The TI scenario assumes that pre-exploration activities and costs will be heavily oriented toward big data analytics of regional and site-specific information and that all other predrilling exploration methods (geochemical and/or geophysical) will address gaps identified from this initial screening, such as 3-D seismic methods for EGS. This assumes that operators are able to access these data or collect initial data that can be used for multiple sites (e.g., improved drone and/or remote sensing over large areas) (Doughty et al, 2018). Based on the research and recommendations of the GeoVision Exploration & Confirmation Task Force, the result of using big data and these exploration technology advances is that preexploration drilling costs for the TI scenario are only slightly different from those for the BAU scenario but result in a high success rate for projects that move beyond predrilling into the drilling phase, reducing overall project risk.…”

Geothermal Play Fairway Analysis Best Practices

“…PFA focuses on evidence for the presence or absence of source rock, reservoir rock, and trap, for which a variety of data types can be used to evaluate directly or indirectly. When adapted for geothermal exploration, a geothermal play may typically be defined as a tectonic and geological setting that includes a heat source, geothermal fluid, reservoir permeability and storage, and a reservoir seal (Doughty et al 2018). Though extending beyond the original concept of PFA, non-geological components might also be included in a geothermal PFA that relate to development potential, e.g., land status, proximity to transmission, or environmental constraints.…”