Geothermal Energy:
Geological Play Elements for Screening Workflows

As a natural, renewable, constant, and sustainable energy source with a limited environmental impact, it is easy to see why geothermal energy resources continue to be of interest as the 21st century energy transition accelerates. There are several countries around the world that either use geothermal energy directly for heating purposes and/or utilize the heat generated to produce electricity. This number is expected to grow dramatically.

Therefore, high-level geological screening for optimal geothermal project locations makes sense, as it provides initial assessments and background knowledge that is useful in decision making. Utilizing existing content from Neftex^® Predictions, a DecisionSpace^® 365 solution, allows for a broad range of data types to be considered within a standardized framework, as well as bringing to bear comprehensive regional geological insights.

Geothermal Energy: Geological Play Elements for Screening Workflows

As a natural, renewable, constant, and sustainable energy source with a limited environmental impact, it is easy to see why geothermal energy resources continue to be of interest as the 21st century energy transition accelerates. There are several countries around the world that either use geothermal energy directly for heating purposes and/or utilize the heat generated to produce electricity. This number is expected to grow dramatically.

Therefore, high-level geological screening for optimal geothermal project locations makes sense, as it provides initial assessments and background knowledge that is useful in decision making. Utilizing existing content from Neftex® Predictions, a DecisionSpace® 365 solution, allows for a broad range of data types to be considered within a standardized framework, as well as bringing to bear comprehensive regional geological insights.

Wairakei Power Station, Taupo New Zealand. Image courtesy of Dr. Graeme Nicoll.

A key issue is that the underlying geology and the context of the resource will have an impact on the nature of the geothermal energy play and the way that electricity can be generated from it. Therefore, we present the basis for an understanding of the variety of geothermal energy play systems, to provide a solid foundation to begin investigations into the potential methodology and workflow needed for screening geothermal resources. Investigation into these different types of play system has allowed for the classification of parameters at primary high-level global to regional screening that can identify areas worth further study and modelling, as well as parameters that can either bolster screening of a particular play type or be of more use at a smaller, more local-regional scale.

Wairakei Power Station, Taupo New Zealand. Image courtesy of Dr. Graeme Nicoll.

A key issue is that the underlying geology and the context of the resource will have an impact on the nature of the geothermal energy play and the way that electricity can be generated from it. Therefore, we present the basis for an understanding of the variety of geothermal energy play systems, to provide a solid foundation to begin investigations into the potential methodology and workflow needed for screening geothermal resources. Investigation into these different types of play system has allowed for the classification of parameters at primary high-level global to regional screening that can identify areas worth further study and modelling, as well as parameters that can either bolster screening of a particular play type or be of more use at a smaller, more local-regional scale.