Using Stratigraphic Forward Modelling to Characterise and Identify Geothermal Reservoirs

Abstract

The characterisation of geothermal reservoirs is a major issue for the geothermal industry, whether considering Hot Sedimentary Aquifers or Enhanced Geothermal Systems. Assessing the extractable heat from a reservoir requires knowing the extent and the rock properties of that reservoir. At the early stage of exploration, most geothermal companies cannot afford to acquire new data at and therefore rely on previously existing sparse well and seismic data. In those conditions, conventional characterisation techniques cannot be applied and new approaches are required.

In this study, we will explain the principles of stratigraphic forward modelling and how it helps characterise geothermal reservoirs. We will demonstrate the effectiveness of this technique on the Yarragadee Formation in the Perth Basin, and then go through the process of extracting the location and characteristics of potential geothermal reservoirs from the modelling results.