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Implications of Spatial Variability in Heat Flow for Geothermal Resource Evaluation in Large Foreland Basins: The Case of the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin

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  • Simon Weides

    (Helmholtz Centre Potsdam GFZ—German Research Centre for Geosciences, Telegrafenberg, 14473 Potsdam, Germany)

  • Jacek Majorowicz

    (Department of Physics, University of Alberta, 11322-89 Ave., Edmonton, AB T6G 2G7, Canada)

Abstract

Heat flow and geothermal gradient of the sedimentary succession of the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin (WCSB) are mapped based on a large thermal database. Heat flow in the deep part of the basin varies from 30 mW/m 2 in the south to high 100 mW/m 2 in the north. As permeable strata are required for a successful geothermal application, the most important aquifers are discussed and evaluated. Regional temperature distribution within different aquifers is mapped for the first time, enabling a delineation of the most promising areas based on thermal field and aquifer properties. Results of previous regional studies on the geothermal potential of the WCSB are newly evaluated and discussed. In parts of the WCSB temperatures as high as 100–210 °C exist at depths of 3–5 km. Fluids from deep aquifers in these “hot” regions of the WCSB could be used in geothermal power plants to produce electricity. The geothermal resources of the shallower parts of the WCSB (>2 km) could be used for warm water provision (>50 °C) or district heating (>70 °C) in urban areas.

Suggested Citation

  • Simon Weides & Jacek Majorowicz, 2014. "Implications of Spatial Variability in Heat Flow for Geothermal Resource Evaluation in Large Foreland Basins: The Case of the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin," Energies, MDPI, vol. 7(4), pages 1-22, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:7:y:2014:i:4:p:2573-2594:d:35347
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Majorowicz, Jacek & Moore, Michal, 2014. "The feasibility and potential of geothermal heat in the deep Alberta foreland basin-Canada for CO2 savings," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 541-549.
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    Cited by:

    1. Schiffner, Daniel & Banks, Jonathan & Rabbani, Arif & Lefsrud, Lianne & Adamowicz, Wiktor, 2022. "Techno-economic assessment for heating cattle feed water with low-temperature geothermal energy: A case study from central Alberta, Canada," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 198(C), pages 1105-1120.
    2. Palmer-Wilson, K. & Banks, J. & Walsh, W. & Robertson, B., 2018. "Sedimentary basin geothermal favourability mapping and power generation assessments," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 127(C), pages 1087-1100.
    3. Banks, Jonathan & Rabbani, Arif & Nadkarni, Kabir & Renaud, Evan, 2020. "Estimating parasitic loads related to brine production from a hot sedimentary aquifer geothermal project: A case study from the Clarke Lake gas field, British Columbia," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 153(C), pages 539-552.
    4. Ewa Chomać-Pierzecka & Anna Sobczak & Dariusz Soboń, 2022. "The Potential and Development of the Geothermal Energy Market in Poland and the Baltic States—Selected Aspects," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-20, June.
    5. Jacek Majorowicz & Stephen E. Grasby, 2021. "Deep Geothermal Heating Potential for the Communities of the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-37, January.
    6. Kazemi, A.R. & Mahbaz, S.B. & Dehghani-Sanij, A.R. & Dusseault, M.B. & Fraser, R., 2019. "Performance Evaluation of an Enhanced Geothermal System in the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 113(C), pages 1-1.
    7. Yuan, Wanju & Chen, Zhuoheng & Grasby, Stephen E. & Little, Edward, 2021. "Closed-loop geothermal energy recovery from deep high enthalpy systems," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 177(C), pages 976-991.
    8. Paul L. Younger, 2015. "Geothermal Energy: Delivering on the Global Potential," Energies, MDPI, vol. 8(10), pages 1-18, October.

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