Subsurface temperature analysis along the Williston Basin, Canada for geothermal energy prospecting

Abstract

The paper focuses on the thermal evaluation of geological well data along the Williston Basin in Canada. The analysis delved into determining the thermal gradients, surface heat flow and most importantly subsurface temperatures at and . The uncorrected well data were reevaluated using the Harrison correction method and temperatures within the range was attained (potential binary type application). The paper serves to identify a prospective production region for geothermal energy exploitation. This was accomplished by analyzing subsurface temperature 2D contour distribution maps. However, correlating these findings with hydraulic parameters can prove to enhance the quality of the region identified. It was determined that within the coordinate ranges of and , there exist an area of interest within the Williston Basin for geothermal energy exploitation.