Reference Native State and Stimulation Models of the Utah FORGE Site

Abstract

FORGE is a multi-year initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for testing targeted EGS research and development. The site is located inside the southeast margin of the Great Basin near the town of Milford, Utah. The work to date at the Utah FORGE site has resulted in the compilation of a large amount of new and legacy data within and surrounding the project site, incorporating information for Roosevelt Hot Springs, the central segment of the Mineral Mountains, and most of the north Milford valley. Results from the characterization activities were used to further improve the geologic understanding of the site. Based on the compiled data, a three-dimensional (3D) geologic model describing the structure, composition, permeability, and temperature at the Utah FORGE site was developed. The exploratory well (Well 58-32) and numerous tests conducted therein were used to confirm that the site met DOE prescribed conditions of reservoir rock type, temperature, and permeability. Modeling and simulation will play a critical role at FORGE and needs to be considered as a general scientific discovery tool to elucidate behavior of EGS systems and as a deterministic or stochastic tool to plan and predict specific activities. This paper will present the development of a reference native state model, baseline stimulation models, and predictions of potential long-term operation