Application of Seismic Surveys in Recognising Reservoir Structures of Geothermal Water

Abstract

In spite of substantial geothermal resources encountered in Poland, it is not country of rapidly developed geothermal industry. Main obstacles in increasing utilisation of renewable energies are both high geological risk and considerable cost geothermal plant construction. To lower the investment costs old oil wells can be used for geothermal purposes. Furthermore reliable and detailed geological and structural studies of the region of interest can be beneficial to reducing drastically the geological risk involved. Seismic exploration is the most effective and widely used tool employed for geothermal resources evaluation. This paper focuses on possibility of deriving from this seismic method in two ways: - performing seismic surveys, mainly 3D ones, dedicated strictly to geothermal exploration, - making use of 3D seismic surveys carried out by oil industry in recent years or reprocessing 2D seismic lines completed within last two decades. Current technical capabilities of geophysical companies, up-to-date equipment, and technology, most advanced seismic software and highly quailfied specialists enable to provide clients with reliable and detailed solution of geothermal structures.