A Methodology for Assessing the Favourability of Geopressured-Geothermal Systems in Sedimentary Basin Plays: A Case Study in Abruzzo (Italy)

Abstract

We exploit the concept of the geothermal favourability, widely used for hydrothermal and EGS systems, to present an innovative methodology for assessing geopressured-geothermal resources occurring in terrigenous units in sedimentary basin plays. Geopressured-geothermal systems are an unconventional resource for power trigeneration exploiting three forms of energy from hydrocarbons, hydrothermal fluids, and well-head overpressure. This paper is intended to be a practical analytical framework for the systematic integration of the relevant data required to assess geopressured-geothermal resources. For this purpose, innovative parameters were also implemented in the methodology. The final result is the favourability map for identifying prospective areas to be further investigated for the appraisal of the geopressured-geothermal potential. We applied our methodology to the foredeep-foreland domains of the Apennines thrust belt in the Abruzzo region (central Italy). We analysed hundreds of deep hydrocarbon wells in order to create 3D geological and thermo-fluid dynamic models at a regional scale as well as to obtain information on the pressure regimes and on the chemistry of the system. The final favourability map for the Abruzzo case study is a first attempt at ranking these kinds of unconventional geothermal resources in a region that has been historically explored and exploited mostly for hydrocarbons.

A spatial analysis for geothermal energy exploration using bivariate predictive modelling

“…Previous studies on geothermal exploration in Nigeria 67 , 68 have often accentuated on the need for a more robust approach in geothermal exploration. The application of digital mapping technology by geospatial data integration offers a more sustainable approach for exploring geothermal resources due to its immense accuracy, cost effectiveness and high reliability 16 , 39 . Within Nigeria, this technology remains relatively new and highly fascinating since it can deduce spatial patterns that may point to geothermal manifestations.…”

“…Also, the Kennel density algorithm was effectively applied for generating density patterns of structures across the study location. Lithological control on geothermal systems is based on the porosity and permeability of the host rock 38 , 39 . Within the Awe area, host rock lithologies is defined by several sedimentary formations intruded by numerous volcanic dykes 40 .…”

Morphoneotectonics of the Abruzzo Periadriatic Area (Central Italy): Morphometric Analysis and Morphological Evidence of Tectonics Features

“…Carbonate ramp and platform limestones, slope-to-pelagic limestones, and marls represent the backbone extending from Apennines' ridges to Gargano Promontory, and clayey-marly allochthonous deposits characterize the eastern sectors of Molise Apennines [74,75]. Sin-and late-orogenic deposits belong to hemipelagic sequences (mainly clayey-sandy deposits), which unconformably overlay turbiditic foredeep sequences (mainly pelitic-arenaceous deposits) [49,76,77]. A complex sequence of post-orogenic Quaternary continental deposits is widely present in the alluvial valleys and plains.…”

Laboratory Investigation and Modelling of the Thermal-Mechanical Properties of Soil in Shallow Mineralized Groundwater Area

“…According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), over 1 billion hectares of saline soils or salt-affected soils are widely distributed in nearly 100 countries and regions, especially in arid and semiarid areas [1]; many of these areas are facing severe challenges of substantial air pollution and energy shortage caused by consuming fossil fuels for heating and cooling of the buildings [2]. Therefore, the renewable geothermal energy becomes a promising alternative to achieve thermal comfort due to its low cost, high availability, stability, and minimal environment impact and can be utilized by various geothermal subsurface earth structures such as geothermal energy piles (GEP), ground source heat pumps (GSHP), earth-air tunnel heat exchangers (EATHE), borehole thermal energy storage (BTES), geological carbon dioxide sequestration and storage, and geothermal heated pavement [3][4][5][6][7]. The basic principle of these projects is simple: a cold fluid (CO 2 or water) is injected into the buried pipe, absorbs heat from hotter surrounding soil, and then is pumped out [8].…”