Enhancing Geothermal Reservoirs – Modelling and Analysis of Hydraulic and Thermal Stimulation (ERiS Project)

Abstract

Improved engineering decisions in stimulation and operation of geothermal reservoirs are closely related to understanding of subsurface dynamics when different physical processes and the underlying fractured structure of the reservoir strongly interact. Integrated numerical modelling and data interpretation tools that can identify governing mechanisms and forecast reservoir response to hydraulic stimulation are in their infancy but are crucial in developing sustainable and commercially competitive solutions for exploitation of deep geothermal energy. Through an interdisciplinary effort, combining recent developments in monitoring, data processing and modelling efforts, the ERiS project (2017-2020) targets knowledge building for the development of improved stimulation strategies and for achieving sustainable operation for geothermal reservoirs. The project’s primary objective is to complement the expertise of the geothermal energy sector in exploitation of unconventional geothermal resources by developing new numerical models and data interpretation workflows that can identify governing mechanisms and forecast reservoir response to stimulation. In the project, different mechanisms for reactivation and propagation of fractures in the subsurface as a consequence of changes in fluid pressure, temperature and stress are investigated. Particular attention is given to a case study, where integration of mathematical modelling, numerical simulations and analysis of seismic data related to periods of fluid injection at the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland are key components.