| Title | GO-Forward: Geothermal Exploration and Optimisation Through FORWARD Modelling and Resource Development |
|---|---|
| Authors | Nadezda Meier |
| Year | 2026 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | geothermal exploration, forward modelling, reservoir properties prediction |
| Abstract | A challenge for rapidly rolling out geothermal developments is the scarcity of subsurface information in Europe. Obtaining reliable data by seismic surveys or drilling is expensive and time-consuming, especially in urban areas, and existing data are often difficult to acquire. Meanwhile, classical approaches to predicting reservoir properties rely on high data density. A promising alternative is analysing the regional geological history of reservoir rocks to simulate their development based on the formation and evolution processes, such as deposition, diagenesis, deformation and fracture formation. These forward-modelling methods can predict subsurface properties even in areas with limited data. GO-Forward is pioneering this approach in geothermal energy by integrating these processes into a novel methodological workflow to improve pre-drilling predictions and reduce geological risk. This process-based approach, grounded in physical concepts, contrasts with traditional geostatistical methods that extrapolate reservoir properties from data. By knowing and defining the geological processes behind reservoir rock formation, reservoir properties can be predicted even in areas with limited information. Modelling methods, including stratigraphic and diagenetic forward modelling and formation of fracture networks, which were previously applied in hydrocarbon industry, will be expanded, connected, and further developed to honor the diversity of geological environments representing geothermal plays in Europe. These approaches will be developed and calibrated in data-rich areas, and once validated, the models will be applied in greenfield areas to support reduction of geothermal exploration risk. The focus will be on a combination of technology options suitable for a broad range of geological settings in Europe. |