| Title | Multi-Objective Optimization: Well Placement and Operation to Balance Economic Returns and Reservoir Longevity with NSGA-II |
|---|---|
| Authors | Mona Devos, Carolin Wallmeier, Oleg Volkov, Denis Voskov, Alexandros Daniilidis |
| Year | 2026 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | |
| Abstract | Low-enthalpy geothermal systems are essential for decarbonizing the built environment, particularly in areas with high heating demand and dense populations. The West Netherlands Basin (WNB) is a prominent example, where geothermal development has accelerated but remains largely uncoordinated, often following a “first- come, first-serve” model. This approach has resulted in suboptimal use of the available subsurface space, which has limited the system’s long-term performance and efficiency. To overcome these challenges, this study presents a multi-objective optimization framework that jointly considers economic performance and reservoir longevity in geothermal field development. The framework applies the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) to identify Pareto-optimal configurations for well placement and operation. The objective functions are net present value (NPV) and thermal breakthrough time, evaluated through fully coupled geothermal reservoir simulations using the Delft Advanced Research Terra Simulator (DARTS). There is explicit enforcement of constraints like boundary offsets, well spacing, and bottom-hole pressure regulations. The approach is developed and first tested on small-scale synthetic models. Next, the method is applied to a realistic geological model of the WNB, which incorporates porosity–permeability relationships and regulatory constraints to take operational realities into account. Outcomes include spatially optimized well layouts and operational strategies that maximize economic output for a given reservoir lifetime or, conversely, extend the system lifetime for a desired economic return. By embedding optimization into geothermal planning, this study supports a move away from isolated doublet design toward coordinated, regional-scale development strategies, which allow for more sustainable and economically optimized utilization of the subsurface resource. |