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Application of Hydrogeological parameters for evaluating the thermal resource potential for deep groundwater systems

Adams, C.A.; Gluyas, J.G.; Mathias, S.A.

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Authors

C.A. Adams

S.A. Mathias



Abstract

Geothermal energy has significant global potential as a clean non-intermittent energy resource. Exploiting geothermal energy uses water which either flows naturally or is stimulated to flow in the sub-surface within deep aquifers or fractured basement. Therefore, it is necessary to understand fluid flow in the upper crust of the Earth (0–5 km depth). Fluid flow could be through waterbearing porous and permeable media (e.g. sandstones and limestones), fractured dry rocks or fluid filled fault zones. The UK has low to medium temperature geothermal resources related to past intrusive igneous activity. A thorough understanding of these low to medium temperature systems is particularly important, because their usefulness will only be realised by optimising site conditions from a geological and engineering standpoint. It is necessary not only to examine the temperatures at depth but to ensure that fluid flow is sufficient so that the geothermal resource is not quickly depleted. Conversely, we also need to ensure that any fluids removed for heat extraction can be re-injected elsewhere in the system to prevent discharge of warm, chemically unsuitable fluids to surface water courses. The requirement to understand these systems is critical for the UK because economic exploitation of a marginally productive resource relies upon the interplay of several finely balanced factors. This paper presents a hydrogeological evaluation of two geothermal case studies, one from north-east England and one from the North Sea. The applicability of these two case studies to other marginally productive geothermal areas is then discussed.

Citation

Adams, C., Gluyas, J., & Mathias, S. (2010). Application of Hydrogeological parameters for evaluating the thermal resource potential for deep groundwater systems.

Conference Name BHS Third International Conference : Role of hydrology in managing consequences of a changing global environment.
Conference Location Newcastle upon Tyne
Start Date Jul 19, 2010
End Date Jul 23, 2010
Publication Date Jul 19, 2010
Deposit Date Feb 8, 2012
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Series Title Durham Energy Institute
Publisher URL http://www.hydrology.org.uk/assets/2010%20papers/046AdamsC_etal.pdf

Files

Published Conference Proceeding (1.2 Mb)
PDF

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