| Title | Methodologies for geothermal resource assessment, with special reference to the Mutnovsky geothermal power project |
|---|---|
| Authors | A.I.Nikolski, A.I.Postnikov, J.V.Lawless |
| Year | 2003 |
| Conference | International Geothermal Workshop, Russia |
| Keywords | Methods of geothermal resource assessment |
| Abstract | Many methods are available for the assessment of geothermal resource capacity. Some methods are more applicable at early stages in the project, when relatively little information is available, and some are more applicable later. There is no single fixed number for resource capacity. It is a moving target which can be continuously revised as new information becomes available. Various methods are discussed, using the Mutnovsky Geothermal Power Project as an example. Up until now, the most appropriate method for the Mutnovsky project has been the probabilistic stored heat method, but the project has now reached a stage when numerical reservoir simulation can meaningfully be done. It is concluded that the resource is adequate for the current level of development, and there is some potential for expansion, but that it would be prudent to access a wider sector of the resource for future stages. The paper also briefly examines some of the assumed criteria which go into geothermal resource assessment - usual practice is to consider a geothermal plant in base load operation continuously for 25 or 30 years, but this may not be the most appropriate or beneficial scenario in some circumstances. |