| Title | Geothermal Performance Forecasting for Optimized Well Placement: Insights and Lessons from Three Case Studies in Indonesia |
|---|---|
| Authors | Ralf Schulze-Riegert, Rindu Intani, Fanji Putra, Meiyanto Joko Purnomo, Sri Mulyani, Anugrah Pradana |
| Year | 2026 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | |
| Abstract | This study introduces techniques for characterizing and modeling fractures in hydrothermal fields, aiming to generate fracture models with corresponding permeability distributions for improved reservoir prediction. The workflow design integrates remote sensing, surface geology, and well data to characterize the geometry of intrusions, faults, associated with lithologies. Natural fracture modeling is guided by key drivers derived from geomechanical principles, which account for stress field perturbations around faults and the effects of pressurized volcanic intrusions and their subsequent cooling. Accurately predicting open and effective fracture densities in data-sparse regions is essential for identifying fracture permeability sweet spots. The reliability of reservoir permeability and connectivity predictions depends on the robustness of these fracture-driving mechanisms. The correlation between modeled permeability and measured well productivity provides an objective basis for model validation and selection, both on a well-by-well and regional scale. Fracture driver parameterizations are influenced by subsurface uncertainties and significantly affect reservoir flow performance. Consequently, model updates and refinements—guided by validation criteria or new data—are essential. A fully integrated and automated workflow enables rapid evaluation of multiple driver scenarios and realizations of geometric and aperture-related parameters. A multi-scale, high-resolution reservoir simulator is employed to rapidly assess fracture connectivity, enabling early-stage model refinement prior to conducting full geothermal flow and heat transport simulations. This paper presents three case studies from geothermal reservoirs in Indonesia, highlighting key findings and lessons learned from each. |