Developing Geothermal Energy from Hydrothermal and EGS Sources while Minimizing Risks and hazards

Abstract

Deep geothermal energy is increasingly being explored as an attractive alternative energy source. This research uses field data and analysis in combination with experimental tests and numerical/analytical models for understanding better induced fracturing of geothermal and shale-gas reservoirs. The rock-physics tests carried out in this project use different boundary conditions so as to verify the results of the analytical investigation and numerical simulations. Also, sills are common in the sedimentary basins worldwide and, through thermal effects, may change organic material into oil and gas. Many thick sills worldwide are currently exploited as hydrocarbon reservoirs and the Bight Basin is one of them. Another aim of this study is to use numerically based modeling on the linear elasticity theory a seismic section of the Bight Basin, S. Australia to understand the relationship of sill emplacement in a heterogeneous rock body of deltaic and marine stratigraphy. As well as to understand the relation of this emplacement to fracture reactivation potential through interconnected fracture cluster accumulations.