Geological controls on geothermal resources for power generation

Jolie, Egbert; Scott, Samuel; Faulds, James E.; Chambefort, Isabelle; Axelsson, Guðni; Gutiérrez-Negrín, Luis Carlos; Regenspurg, Simona; Ziegler, Moritz; Ayling, Bridget; Richter, Alexander; Zemedkun, Meseret Teklemariam

doi:10.1038/s43017-021-00154-y

Cited by 118 publications

(60 citation statements)

References 158 publications

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“…Rift-related thinning of the crust generates major depressions that are often filled with sediments. These sedimentary basins may provide a range of georesources such as geothermally exploitable hot aquifers (Jolie et al, 2021), ore deposits (Wilkinson, 2014), or perhaps even natural hydrogen (Lefeuvre et al, 2021). Our understanding of the processes that shape rifts, rifted margins, and their sedimentary basins is however inhibited among others by three challenges: (1) the cross-scale nature of deformation processes, (2) the interaction between faults and surface processes, (3) the interplay between complex mechanisms that facilitate rift migration.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evolution of rift systems and their fault networks in response to surface processes

Neuharth¹,

Brune²,

Wrona³

et al. 2021

Preprint

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Continental rifting is responsible for the generation of major sedimentary basins, both during rift inception and during the formation of rifted continental margins. Geophysical and field studies revealed that rifts feature complex networks of normal faults but the factors controlling fault network properties and their evolution are still matter of debate. Here, we employ high-resolution 2D geodynamic models (ASPECT) including two-way coupling to a surface processes code (FastScape) to conduct 12 models of major rift types that are exposed to various degrees of erosion and sedimentation. We further present a novel quantitative fault analysis toolbox (Fatbox), which allows us to isolate fault growth patterns, the number of faults, and their length and displacement throughout rift history. Our analysis reveals that rift fault networks may evolve through five major phases: 1) distributed deformation and coalescence, 2) fault system growth, 3) fault system decline and basinward localization, 4) rift migration, and 5) breakup. These phases can be correlated to distinct rifted margin domains. Models of asymmetric rifting suggest rift migration is facilitated through both ductile and brittle deformation within a weak exhumation channel that rotates subhorizontally and remains active at low angles. In sedimentation-starved settings, this channel satisfies the conditions for serpentinization. We find that surface processes are not only able to enhance strain localization and to increase fault longevity but that they also reduce the total length of the fault system, prolong rift phases and delay continental breakup.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evolution of rift systems and their fault networks in response to surface processes

Neuharth¹,

Brune²,

Wrona³

et al. 2021

Preprint

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“…These geological processes induce a strong economical and societal relevance of rifts. Subsurface water reservoirs in rifts may feature anomalously high temperatures, making them prime targets for geothermal energy generation 1 . Surface depressions of rifts create accommodation space for sedimentary basins, which may hold sediment-hosted ore deposits 2,3 like zinc, lead and copper that are of strategic relevance for implementing the global energy transition through metal-intensive green technologies 4 (e.g.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Geodynamics of continental rift initiation and evolution

Brune¹,

Kolawole²,

Olive³

et al. 2023

Preprint

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A rift is a nascent plate boundary where the continental lithosphere is extended and possibly broken. In this review, we focus on fundamental rift processes and how they evolve through time. We aim at providing a modular overview of the driving forces, resisting factors, and weakening processes as well as how their interaction generates the large variety of rifts on Earth. Rifting initiates when the joint contribution of lithospheric buoyancy forces, mantle tractions, and subduction-related forces overcome the lithospheric strength. Subsequently, rifting is facilitated by softening mechanisms, such as frictional weakening, diking and surface processes, but also by inherited rheological weaknesses, such as those coinciding with currently active rifts in East Africa. These positive feedback effects may however be counter-balanced by dynamic processes resisting deformation such as isostatic forces or lithospheric cooling, which may ultimately lead to the abandonment of a rift. A fundamental understanding of the force balance in rifts is required to assess their controls on rift-wide stress fields, which is essential when georesources like geothermal energy are to be exploited in a responsible way. These cross-scale interactions can only be understood through multidisciplinary approaches that integrate geophysical and geochemical data with modern modelling techniques.

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“…Unlike the geothermal production of electricity that requires high-temperature fluids (liquid water and vapour of over 125 °C) to power generation, unconventional low-temperature geothermal resources can provide energy to meet space and district heating applications (Jolie et al, 2021;Kukkonen, 2000). Geothermal energy is available evenly throughout the year, regardless of the weather, so it can form a basis for heating.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Deeper the Better? A Thermogeological Analysis of Medium-deep Borehole Heat Exchanger Efficiency in Crystalline Rocks

Piipponen

Martinkauppi

Vallin

et al. 2022

Preprint

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The energy sector is undergoing a fundamental transformation, with significant investment in low-carbon technologies to replace fossil-based systems. In densely populated urban areas, deep boreholes offer an alternative over shallow geothermal systems, which demand extensive surface area to attain large-scale heat production. This paper presents numerical calculations of the thermal energy that can be extracted from the medium-deep borehole heat exchangers of depths ranging from 600-3000 m. We applied the thermogeological parameters of three locations across Finland and tested two types of coaxial borehole heat exchangers to understand better the variables that affect heat production in low permeability crystalline rocks. For each depth, location, and heat collector type, we used a range of fluid flow rates to examine the correlation between thermal energy production and resulting outlet temperature. Our results indicate a trade-off between thermal energy production and outlet fluid temperature depending on the fluid flow rate, and that the vacuum-insulated tubing outperforms high-density polyethylene pipe in energy and temperature production. In addition, the results suggest that the local thermogeological factors impact heat production. Maximum energy production from a 600-m-deep well achieved 170 MWh/a, increasing to 330 MWh/a from a 1000-m-deep well, 980 MWh/a from a 2-km-deep well, and up to 1880 MWh/a from a 3-km-deep well. We demonstrate that understanding the interplay of the local geology, heat exchanger materials, and fluid circulation rates is necessary to maximize the potential of medium-deep geothermal boreholes as a reliable long-term baseload energy source.

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Geological controls on geothermal resources for power generation

Abstract: High-temperature geothermal systemsSystems with temperatures >225 °C. Here, it is denoted that geothermal resources are ones where fluids are present, allowing for power generation using flash and/or binary power plant technology.

Cited by 118 publications

References 158 publications

Evolution of rift systems and their fault networks in response to surface processes

Evolution of rift systems and their fault networks in response to surface processes

Geodynamics of continental rift initiation and evolution

The Deeper the Better? A Thermogeological Analysis of Medium-deep Borehole Heat Exchanger Efficiency in Crystalline Rocks

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