| Title | 3-D Static Model to Characterize Geothermal Reservoirs for High-Temperature Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (HT-ATES) in the Geneva Area, Switzerland |
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| Authors | Ovie ERUTEYA, Luca GUGLIELMETTI, Yasin MAKHLOUFI, Andrea MOSCARIELLO |
| Year | 2020 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | HEATSTORE, district heating, Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage, 3D Model, Geneva Basin, Geothermie2020 |
| Abstract | In the framework of the GEOTHERMICA ERA-NET co-funded project-HEASTORE, one of the main challenges related to assessing the technical feasibility and sustainability of High Temperature (~25°C to ~90°C) Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (HT-ATES) is subsurface characterization. In this study, we aim to develop a 3-D geologically robust static model in order to characterize the subsurface at the GEo-01 geothermal exploration borehole and possibly identify candidate intervals suitable for HT-ATES within the Lower Cretaceous Carbonates in the Geneva Area. In order to achieve this, we analyzed a suite of subsurface datasets encompassing two-dimensional seismic reflection data integrated with petrophysical data and well report from the GEo-01 well recently drilled in the framework of the Geothermie2020 program and other proximal boreholes. Seismic interpretation reveals a well-developed flower structure deforming the Mesozoic and parts of the Cenozoic sediments. Petrophysical analysis suggests the Lower Cretaceous Formation is tight, generally characterized by low porosity and permeability values. However, the presence of fracture networks and faults deforming a substantial part of this unit may promote localized fluid circulation. Three candidate horizons have been identified as potential Lower Cretaceous targets (CT) suitable for HT-ATES in fractured intervals characterized by tested water outflows and devoid of hydrocarbon impregnation: (1) Grand Essert Fm / Pierre Jeune de Neuchatel + Marnes d’Hauterives Fm [CT1], (2) Vuache Fm - Chambotte- Chambotte inférieur [CT2] and (3) Goldberg Fm [CT3]. The 3-D static model developed in this study will be used as input for numerical heat flow and predictive THMC models for the Geneva Basin. Importantly, our findings highlight the need for subsurface data augmentation in the Geneva Basin. It also shed light on the implication of the subsurface manifestation of hydrocarbons as geohazard to heat storage and other geo-energy related projects at large. |