Assessment of Geothermal Water and Energy Resources of Lower Jurassic Formations in the NW Part of Polish Lowland (Szczecin Trough)

Abstract

The paper presents results of PhD dissertation aiming at estimation of geothermal water and energy resources accumulated in Lower Jurassic formation in Szczecin Trough as well as indication of the areas which are characterized by favourable geothermal conditions that would justify their industrial usefulness. Szczecin Trough is located in NW part of Polish Lowland where the highest exploitation water temperatures in Poland were documented (87°C).
Water resources were estimated by means of dynamic hydrogeological modeling. Numerical model was created on the basis of conceptual model. The foundations of the conceptual model were interpreted well log data, which enabled separation of water bearing formations within Lower Jurassic sediments together with their petrophysical parameters. As the result of dynamic modeling water circulation system was established as well as water mass balance. Geothermal resources were calculated in respective categories according to methodology accepted by European Union countries. Assessment procedure was preceded by analysis of hydrogeological and petrophysical parameters which was carried out by means of numerical methods. Range and amounts of disposable geothermal energy resources determinates areas where geothermal plants could be constructed. The final result and summary of the study was presented in the form of map indicating optimal areas for development of geothermal resources in NW part of Polish Lowland. All interpretation and calculations were done using specialized software (Landmark Graphic Coorporation interpretation package, Visual Modflow) which enables application of numeric data processing methods.