Updating the 3D Geomodels of Los Humeros and Acoculco Geothermal Systems (Mexico) – H2020 GEMex Project

Abstract

The European-Mexican geothermal GEMex project aims at developing geothermal energy in the easternmost region of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. Two sites under development by the Comisión Federal de Electricidad (Mexican National Power Company) are investigated to assess possible superhot resources and to develop an Enhanced Geothermal System, respectively in Los Humeros and Acoculco. European and Mexican partners constructed preliminary 3D geological models in a collaborative way. They were based on data available at the beginning of the project, including geological maps, cross-sections and well logs. To complement the existing knowledge, geological and geochemical field campaigns were conducted. Data from these surveys have been used to update the preliminary models of both sites. Geophysical surveys are on-going. The results of this update were dedicated to improve the overall interpretation of the geothermal system in Los Humeros and Acoculco. They were also used as input for further simulations based on the geometry of the updated geomodels. The update presented in this paper is an intermediate step previous than further integration. The last phase of the geomodelling process will consist in integrating geophysical information to strengthen the geothermal interpretation of both sites. The authors wish to thank the Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE, Mexico) for their assistance and support. This paper presents results of the GEMex Project, funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 727550, and by the Mexican Energy Sustainability Fund CONACYT-SENER, Project 2015-04-268074. More information can be found on the GEMex Website: http://www.gemex-h2020.eu.