Simulation of Gas Production from Hydrate Reservoirs with Geothermal Energy

Abstract

Natural gas hydrate is a potential energy source, rich in resources, efficient, and environmentally friendly. However, low extraction efficiency is a monumental challenge for its industrial development. Recent studies show that some natural gas hydrate reservoirs in the South China Sea coexist with geothermal resources. Through the combination of two horizontal wells, geothermal energy is applied in the exploitation of hydrate. A numerical model is established to study the gas production behavior of GHBS by depressurization and geothermal stimulation. The hydrate extraction efficiency of the combination of geothermal stimulation and depressurization is compared with a control group without geothermal stimulation. Results indicate that the thermal stimulation effects are limited to the injection area well in the first 50 days. The development effect is positively related to the temperature at which hot water is injected. Besides, the under-injection up-production model is more conducive to the development of hydrates. This work provides some preliminary insights into the efficacy of hydrate exploitation with deep geothermal energy.