Details

• Lecturer: Dr. David McNamara, from University of Liverpool (UK)
• Date: 23 March 2021; 12:00 h
• Venue: Online (via Conecta: http://bit.ly/3kwg0sw)
• Further information: Dr. Juan Alcalde (GEO3BCN-CSIC)

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Abstract

Many high temperature, conventional and enhanced geothermal resources are hosted in reservoir rocks with low intrinsic permeability. As such, successful development of these resources relies on understanding the role subsurface structures, such as fractures and faults, play in reservoir permeability. There are two crucial research aspects to developing our understanding of structural permeability in geothermal resources: 1) the application geothermal geomechanics, and 2) understanding how geothermal fluid-rock interactions impact permeability. While many techniques for investigating these research fields exist, they require modification in both underpinning science and method for use in geothermal settings, and often novel, innovative, scientific approaches are required. Advances in the application of structural geology at both the macro and microscale within geothermal systems are proving important to answer important geological and operational questions. As geothermal continues to grow as an international industry and given its importance as part of the solution to decarbonising our society, it is crucial to continue to transition skillsets and methodologies to this sector, as well as innovate and develop geoscience specifically for geothermal advancement.