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Feasibility of low-temperature geothermal systems: Considerations of thermal anomalies, geochemistry, and local assets

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  • Moore, Kayla R.
  • Holländer, Hartmut M.

Abstract

Low-temperature geothermal power plants have great potential to provide baseload electricity worldwide. However, the technology is new and untested, and the systems require a significant financial investment. Site-specific feasibility studies are required to draw together available data and inform developers of production potential and challenges. This study applies coupled thermal, hydraulic, and geochemical modeling to characterize a horizontal geothermal well system in the Williston Basin. This study targeted thermal anomalies overlying 370 m thick halite and dolomite formations from the Devonian period. The halite and dolomite produced a 6°C thermal anomaly, or 16°C km−1 increase in the thermal gradient. A >5.0 MW power plant was achieved when targeting the Dawson Bay formation. A fractured, horizontal well in the Bakken formation was re-entered for injection, providing a savings of up to 40% of drilling costs. The geochemical analysis allowed for the calculation of potential precipitates in the production casing, and consideration of mitigation methods. In addition, the co-production of lithium was identified as potentially profitable in the Dawson Bay Formation. Considering the available resources and assets provided unique data to inform the development of a geothermal system in the Williston Basin.

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  • Moore, Kayla R. & Holländer, Hartmut M., 2020. "Feasibility of low-temperature geothermal systems: Considerations of thermal anomalies, geochemistry, and local assets," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 275(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:275:y:2020:i:c:s0306261920309247
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2020.115412
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Daniilidis, Alexandros & Saeid, Sanaz & Doonechaly, Nima Gholizadeh, 2021. "The fault plane as the main fluid pathway: Geothermal field development options under subsurface and operational uncertainty," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 171(C), pages 927-946.
    2. Santos, L. & Dahi Taleghani, A. & Elsworth, D., 2022. "Repurposing abandoned wells for geothermal energy: Current status and future prospects," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 194(C), pages 1288-1302.

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