Geothermal Exploration – Ensuring an Optimized Utilization of Geothermal Energy in Low-enthalpy Sedimentary Settings

Abstract

SummaryAn adequate comprehensive understanding of the subsurface geology is a pre-requisite for a precise planning and successful operating of geothermal applications and reduces the financial risks considerably. An exploration concept is needed which is tailored for the geological setting to be evaluated and the level of exploration performed prior to the geothermal exploration. We present examples from ongoing geothermal exploration projects encompassing, for example, studies on the geological structure, including the stress field, on the hydraulic and thermal properties of geological formations, and on the temperature prognoses for target reservoirs.