Lithosphere tectonics and thermo-mechanical properties: An integrated modelling approach for Enhanced Geothermal Systems exploration in Europe

Cloetingh, S.A.P.L.; Wees, J.D. van; Ziegler, Peter A.; Lenkey, László; Beekman, F.; Tesauro, Magdala; Förster, Andrea; Norden, Ben; Kaban, Mikhail K.; Hardebol, N.

doi:10.1016/j.earscirev.2010.05.003

Cited by 105 publications

(73 citation statements)

References 278 publications

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“…For the surface heat flow (Q 0 ), the heat flow model of Europe from Cloetingh et al (2010) is used, except for Iceland where the geothermal atlas was used (Hurter and Haenel, 2002). At the vertical edges of the model, values of zero heat flow are imposed, which can be considered as a special case of a Neumann boundary condition.…”

Section: Boundary Conditionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In most nonvolcanic areas in Europe, conduction is the dominant heat transfer mechanism in the lithosphere. Temperatures can therefore be estimated with a steady-state conductive model based on assumptions and inferences on the thermal conductivity structure of the lithosphere, the heat flow at the base of the lithosphere, and on the content of heat-producing elements in the lithosphere (Cloetingh et al, 2010).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Assessing the prospective resource base for enhanced geothermal systems in Europe

et al. 2014

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Abstract. In this study the resource base for EGS (enhanced geothermal systems) in Europe was quantified and economically constrained, applying a discounted cash-flow model to different techno-economic scenarios for future EGS in 2020EGS in , 2030EGS in , and 2050. Temperature is a critical parameter that controls the amount of thermal energy available in the subsurface. Therefore, the first step in assessing the European resource base for EGS is the construction of a subsurface temperature model of onshore Europe. Subsurface temperatures were computed to a depth of 10 km below ground level for a regular 3-D hexahedral grid with a horizontal resolution of 10 km and a vertical resolution of 250 m. Vertical conductive heat transport was considered as the main heat transfer mechanism. Surface temperature and basal heat flow were used as boundary conditions for the top and bottom of the model, respectively. If publicly available, the most recent and comprehensive regional temperature models, based on data from wells, were incorporated.With the modeled subsurface temperatures and future technical and economic scenarios, the technical potential and minimum levelized cost of energy (LCOE)

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Section: Boundary Conditionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing the prospective resource base for enhanced geothermal systems in Europe

et al. 2014

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“…A crucial factor in the production of geothermal energy is related to the large uncertainty of effective porosity/permeability and transmissivity/transmissibility values, which directly influence the achievable flow rates and thus doublet power in petrothermal systems (e.g., Schulte et al 2010). Actively deforming areas characterized by extensional and strike-slip settings are favorable for EGS (Cloetingh et al 2010). Furthermore, Garnish (2002) points out that the natural fracture system largely dominates induced fractures.…”

Section: Petrothermal Reservoirsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Hydraulic properties, notably permeability and the associated transmissibility, are crucial parameters because they dictate the technical feasibility of specific applications by directly influencing achievable flow rates and thus power output of a geothermal plant (e.g., Schulte et al 2010). In hydrothermal as well as petrothermal reservoirs, the crustal stress field influences or controls the creation and evolution of faults, fractures, and joints, thus permeability, and therefore is particularly important for site selection for geothermal exploration and development of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (Cloetingh et al 2010).…”

Section: Geothermal Explorationmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Exploration for deep geothermal reservoirs in Luxembourg and the surroundings - perspectives of geothermal energy use

Schintgen

2015

Geotherm Energy

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Background: The aim of this paper is to combine different types of information necessary for a first rather qualitative assessment of deep geothermal reservoirs in the region of Luxembourg. Within the geological framework, the study area encompasses Luxembourg and the surrounding areas of Belgium, Germany, and France. On the one hand, the focus is laid on low-enthalpy hydrothermal reservoirs in Mesozoic aquifers in the Trier-Luxembourg Embayment. On the other hand, petrothermal reservoirs in the Devonian basement of the Ardennes and Eifel regions are considered for exploitation by Enhanced/Engineered Geothermal Systems (EGS). Methods: For geothermal exploration and exploitation purposes, geological, thermal, hydrogeological and structural data are necessary. Results: Among the Mesozoic aquifers, the Buntsandstein aquifer characterized by temperatures of up to 50°C is a suitable hydrothermal reservoir that could be exploited by means of heat pumps or provide direct heat for various applications. The most promising area is the zone of the SE-Luxembourg Graben. The aquifer is the warmest underneath the upper Alzette valley and the limestone plateau in Lorraine, where the Buntsandstein aquifer lies below a thick Mesozoic cover. At the base of an inferred Rotliegend graben in the same area, temperatures of up to 75°C are expected. However, geological and hydraulic conditions are uncertain. In the Lower Devonian basement, thick sandstone-/quartzite-rich formations with temperatures >90°C are expected at depths >3.5 km and likely offer the possibility of direct heat use. The setting of the Südeifel (South Eifel) region, including the Müllerthal region near Echternach, as a tectonically active zone may offer the possibility of deep hydrothermal reservoirs in the fractured Lower Devonian basement. Based on recent data on the structure of the Trier-Luxembourg Basin, the new concept presents the Müllerthal-Südeifel Depression as a Cenozoic tectonic structure that is still mobile and relevant for geothermal exploration. Conslusion: Beyond direct use of geothermal heat, the expected modest temperatures at 5 km depth (about 120°C) and increased permeability by EGS in the quartzite-rich Lochkovian could prospectively enable combined geothermal heat production and power generation in Luxembourg and the western realm of the Eifel region.

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The Growing Role of Photovoltaic Solar, Wind and Geothermal Energy as Renewables for Electricity Generation

Sark

Schepers

Wees

2015

Sustainability Assessment of Renewables‐Based Products

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Lithosphere tectonics and thermo-mechanical properties: An integrated modelling approach for Enhanced Geothermal Systems exploration in Europe

Cited by 105 publications

References 278 publications

Assessing the prospective resource base for enhanced geothermal systems in Europe

Assessing the prospective resource base for enhanced geothermal systems in Europe

Exploration for deep geothermal reservoirs in Luxembourg and the surroundings - perspectives of geothermal energy use

The Growing Role of Photovoltaic Solar, Wind and Geothermal Energy as Renewables for Electricity Generation

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