| Title | Regional-Scale Geothermal Exploration Using Heterogeneous Industrial Temperature Data; a Case Study from the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin |
|---|---|
| Authors | Greg NIEUWENHUIS, Tibor LENGYEL, Jacek MAJOROWICZ, Matthias GROBE, Ben ROSTRON, Martyn J UNSWORTH, Simon WEIDES |
| Year | 2015 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | regional mapping, oil and gas data, geostatistics, Western Canada Sedimentary Basin, Alberta, Bottom Hole Temperature, Drill Stem Test, temperature log, annual pool pressure survey, well pressure survey, quality control, geothermal potential |
| Abstract | Classic geothermal exploration uses a combination of surface indicators, geophysical measurements, and shallow drilling to identify high-enthalpy geothermal targets. The exploration for low-enthalpy targets, such as hot sedimentary aquifers, requires a different approach. One potential approach for such targets can be regional-scale mapping of subsurface temperatures and related properties derived from data available from previous drilling activity. As part of the Helmholtz Alberta Initiative a regional-scale mapping study has been undertaken in the western half of the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin with the objective of identifying potential sites for geothermal energy production. In this study we compiled a large number of industrial and scientific temperature data to re-evaluate the thermal conditions of the Alberta Basin ( more than 300,000 of bottom hole temperature measurements, drill stem tests, annual pool pressure tests, and temperature logs). Integrating the different types of temperature measurements presents a unique challenge. Each technique’s measurement conditions are different, therefore their deviation from the undisturbed rock temperatures is also different. In addition to this, numerous studies have recognized that each type of data is affected by various types of measurement errors. To capture the maximum information from the diverse dataset and therefore make use of all available measurements, we have developed a geostatistical method to a) identify outliers on a regional scale, b) improve data coherency between measurement types, c) apply corrections wherever applicable, and d) estimate uncertainty in temperature measurements. Utilizing this harmonized database, we have built a geothermal model of the Alberta Basin that highlights locations with favourable conditions for geothermal energy utilization within the subsurface of Alberta. This study re-evaluates the geothermal conditions of Alberta in a new, more detailed, and more accurate way than previous studies. This allows us to identify local-scale areas of geothermal interest, where more detailed studies should be conducted. The methodology applied here can also be utilized in other areas where mixed data sources are available. |