An Insight in Explaining the Stress Distribution in and Around EGS

Abstract

Developing an Enhanced Geothermal System, otherwise known as EGS, is a complex phenomenon and is dependent on range of geological and operating variables. Stresses in and around EGS are believed to be either ‘sound and non-harming’ or ‘violent and catastrophic’ among different groups involved, directly or indirectly, in EGS. Pros and cons of EGS have been under discussion and extensive research work for a while. This paper addresses issues associated with stress redistribution during and after working cycle of EGS and gives a new insight in understanding the behavior and distribution of stresses in and around basement rock. As the basement rock is thermo-elastically connected to the country rock, newly generated stresses interact with the existing in-situ stresses under prevailing conditions of geological, design and operating variables. Variables dictating the continuous, safe and efficient working of EGS are also outlined in detailed sections. Guidelines for future of the research related to stress redistribution in EGS are also part of this paper.