The geothermal system of Ischia Island (southern Italy): Critical review and sustainability analysis of geothermal resource for electricity generation

In this paper we analyze the main available data related to the geothermal system of Ischia Island, starting from the first geothermal exploration in 1939. Our aim is to define a conceptual model of the geothermal reservoir, according to geological, geochemical, geophysical and stratigraphic data. In recent times, the interest on geothermal exploitation for electricity generation in Italy is rapidly increasing and the Ischia Island is one of the main targets for future geothermal exploitation. Nowadays, one of the main economic resources of the island is the tourism, mainly driven by the famous thermal springs; so, it is crucial to study the possible interaction between geothermal exploitation and thermal spring activities. To this aim, we also analyze the possible disturbance on temperature and pressure in the shallow geothermal reservoir, due to the heat withdrawal for electric production related to small power plant size (1–5 MWe). Such analysis has been performed by using numerical simulations based on a well known thermofluid-dynamical code (TOUGH2^®). Obtained results show that such geothermal exploitation generates a perturbation of temperature and pressure field which, however, is confined in a small volume around the well. At shallow level (0–100 m) the exploitation does not produce any appreciable disturbance, and can be made compatible with thermal spring exploitation. Moreover, such results are crucial both for the evaluation of volcanological processes in the island and for the general assessment of geothermal resource sustainability.     

Temperature evaluation of the Bugok geothermal system, South Korea

Using a variety of chemical geothermometers and statistical analysis, we estimate the temperature of a possible deeper geothermal reservoir at Bugok, Southern Korea. Shallow thermal aquifers (down to about 400 m depth) are under exploitation in this area; the temperatures (up to 78 °C) of the produced fluids are the highest found in South Korea. Based on hydrochemical data and occurrence, the groundwaters at Bugok can be classified under three groups: Na-SO₄ thermal groundwaters (CTGW) occurring in the central (about 0.24 km²) part of the area; Ca-HCO₃ cold groundwater (SCGW) found in shallow peripheral parts of the CTGW; the intermediate-type groundwater (STGW). The CTGW type is typical of the Bugok thermal waters; they have the highest discharge temperatures and contain very high concentrations of Na (75.1–101.0 mg/L), K (2.9–6.9 mg/L) and SiO₂ (62.0–84.5 mg/L) and are rich in sulfates.The major ion composition of the CTGW suggests that these waters are in partial equilibrium with rocks at depth. The application of various alkali-ion geothermometers yields temperature estimates in the 88–198 °C range for the thermal reservoir. Multiple-mineral equilibrium calculations indicate a similar but narrower temperature range (from about 100 to 155 °C). These estimates for CTGW are significantly higher than the measured discharge temperatures. Considering the heat losses occurring during the ascent of the waters, one can infer the presence of a deeper (around 1.8 km) thermal reservoir in the Bugok area that could be developed for district heating or other direct applications of geothermal heat.     

An updated numerical model of the Larderello–Travale geothermal system, Italy

Larderello–Travale is one of the few geothermal systems in the world that is characterized by a reservoir pressure much lower than hydrostatic. This is a consequence of its natural evolution from an initial liquid-dominated to the current steam-dominated system. Beneath a nearly impermeable cover, the geothermal reservoir consists of carbonate-anhydrite formations and, at greater depth, by metamorphic rocks. The shallow reservoir has temperatures in the range of 220–250 °C, and pressures of about 20 bar at a depth of 1000 m, while the deep metamorphic reservoir has temperatures of 300–350 °C, and pressures of about 70 bar at a depth of 3000 m. The 3D numerical code “TOUGH2” has been used to conduct a regional modeling study to investigate the production mechanism of superheated steam, the interactions between the geothermal field and the surrounding deep aquifers, and the field sustainability. All the available geoscientific data collected in about one century of exploration and exploitation have been used to provide the necessary input parameters for the model, which covers an area (4900 km²) about 10 times wider than the Larderello–Travale geothermal field (400 km²). The numerical model explains the origin of the steam extracted in about one century of exploitation and shows that, at the current level, the production is sustainable at least for the next 100 years.     

Geophysical exploration of the Boku geothermal area, Central Ethiopian Rift

The Boku central volcano is located within the axial zone of the Central Ethiopian Rift near the town of Nazareth, Ethiopia. An integrated geophysical survey involving thermal, magnetic, electrical and gravimetric methods has been carried out over the Boku geothermal area in order to understand the circulation of fluids in the subsurface, and to localize the “hot spot” providing heat to the downward migrating groundwaters before they return to the surface. The aim of the investigations was to reconstruct the geometry of the aquifers and the fluid flow paths in the Boku geothermal system, the country's least studied. Geological studies show that it taps heat from the shallow acidic Quaternary volcanic rocks of the Rift floor. The aquifer system is hosted in Quaternary Rift floor ignimbrites that are intensively fractured and receive regional meteoric water recharge from the adjacent escarpment and locally from precipitation and the Awash River. Geophysical surveys have mapped Quaternary faults that are the major geologic structures that allow the ascent of the hotter fluids towards the surface, as well as the cold-water recharge of the geothermal system. The shallow aquifers are mapped, preferred borehole sites for the extraction of thermal fluids are delineated and the depths to deeper thermal aquifers are estimated.     

Forecast and evaluation of hot dry rock geothermal resource in China

Utilizing information from plate tectonics characteristics, volcanic activities, and geothermal anomaly, this paper identifies areas where hot dry rock (HDR) may exist as potential geothermal resource in China. Further investigations are also carried out in the paper based on results from regional tectonics, volcanic geology and lithology, as well as data from geothermal displays, geochemistry, geophysics, and shallow borehole temperature measurements. The study reveals several promising areas of HDR geothermal resource in China, including Tengchong of Yunnan province, Qiongbei of Hainan province, Changbaishan of Jilin province, Wudalianchi of Heilongjiang province, and the Southern Tibet area. A 3D static heat conduction model was developed to study the underground temperature gradient characteristics of the Rehai geothermal field in Tengchong and the Yangbajing geothermal field in Tibet. The model adopted is a geological block 10 km deep from the ground surface and 50 km wide in each of the horizontal directions (2500 km² area). The numerical simulation results in evaluations on the quantities of the HDR geothermal resource in Rehai and Yangbajing geothermal fields. The paper shows that there is abundant HDR geothermal resource with large exploitation value in China. If developed with a power capacity of 1×10⁸ kW, the Rehai and Yangbajing fields along would be able to generate electricity for 1560 years.     

Geothermal assessment of the deep aquifers of the northwestern part of the Bohemian Cretaceous basin, Czech Republic

Groundwater in the Benešov-Ústí aquifer system in the northwestern Bohemian Cretaceous basin has been intensely exploited since the twentieth century. Apart from providing drinking water, it contains the most extensive accumulation of thermal water in the country. However, excessive exploitation can result in temperature declines and changes in the quality of the groundwater in the future. More than a hundred in situ temperature measurements were used to assess the geothermal gradient and heat flux. However, intense groundwater vertical flow across the well significantly controls the heat flux distribution, resulting in a huge range of values—from less than 50 mW/m² within infiltration areas to more than 125 mW/m² in drainage areas. Certain simplifications and corrections considering the vertical flow between different permeable zones were developed, and the correction for topography as well as lithological variability have been applied to improve accuracy of the geothermal gradient assessment. Despite the fact that the Bohemian Cretaceous basin is tectonically very complex, it is concluded that tectonics [with the exception of the Eger (Oh?e) rift] has only a secondary effect on the thermal field. Two longitudinal W-E areas in the Benešov-Ústí aquifer system have elevated heat flux values. The calculated heat flux values are useful for heat transfer modelling and the assessment of the sustainable limits of thermal water exploitation.     

Atlas of geothermal resources in Europe

The geothermal resources of most European countries have been estimated and compiled in the recently published Atlas of Geothermal Resources in Europe, a companion volume to the Atlas of Geothermal Resources in the European Community, Austria and Switzerland. Publication of this Atlas comes at a time when the promotion of a sustainable and non-polluting energy is high on the agenda of local energy suppliers, municipal administrations and all European governments. The participating countries are: Albania, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine and the UK. A volumetric heat content model for porous reservoirs was the basis for calculating the resources, assuming that exploitation of the geothermal resources would take place in a doublet well system. The geothermal reservoirs are defined in a set of 4 maps, by depth, thickness, temperature and resources. The assessment methodology is simple and is based on a small number of parameters so that regions with very limited data coverage can also be evaluated. An example is given in this paper of the eastern North German Basin. The maps presented in the Atlas permit a first order evaluation of the geothermal potential in terms of technical and economic viability. This uniform procedure applied to all countries and regions allows comparisons and serves as a guide for setting priorities and planning geothermal development. This Atlas also helps in the search for appropriate partners for international cooperation in geothermal exploration in Europe.     

Three-dimensional imaging of a geothermal system using temperature and geological models derived from a well-log dataset

The accurate imaging of geothermal systems from the ground surface down to great depths is an interdisciplinary problem common to geothermal resource exploration and development. Rocks can be characterized mainly in terms of their lithology, mineralogy, fracture distribution, permeability, thermal conductivity and porosity, and similarly the geothermal fluid (and its circulation) by its geochemistry, flow pattern, velocity, temperature and pressure. Some of these data are obtained by well logging and from laboratory tests conducted on drillhole cores. In general, the distribution of geothermal wells is not random, and well data are limited in terms of quantity and depth range. Accordingly, a sophisticated spatial modeling technique is indispensable in the three-dimensional imaging of geothermal systems. We describe a versatile 3-D modeling method that can be used to determine the temperature, flow velocity, and distribution of geological units within a geothermal field based on well log data. The model results for the Hohi geothermal area, Japan, provide plausible estimates of temperature, flow velocity, and geology to a depth of 3000 m. Superimposition of the three spatial models we obtained shows that, at Hohi, two geothermal reservoirs are localized near highly fractured fault zones that provide paths for the ascent of thermal fluids from depth.     

Exploring for geothermal resources in Greece

In Greece the geothermal areas are located in regions of Quaternary or Miocene volcanism and in continental basins of high heat flow. The existence of high-temperature (>200 °C) resources has been proven by deep drilling on the islands of Milos and Nisyros and inferred on the island of Santorini by its active volcanism. Elsewhere, geological investigations, geochemical analyses of thermal springs and shallow drilling have identified many low-temperature (<100 °C) reservoirs, utilized for spas and greenhouse/soil heating. Ternary K–Na–Mg geothermometer data suggest deep, medium-temperature resources (100–200 °C) in Sousaki, the islands of Samothraki, Chios and Lesvos, in the basins of Nestos River Delta and Alexandroupolis and in the graben of Sperchios River. In the basins of northern Greece these resources are also inferred from deep oil exploration well data.     

Engineering evaluation of geothermal reservoirs

Reservoir engineering evaluation of geothermal systems attempts to provide answers on the extent of the reserves, their probable longevity and the deliverability and production rate of the reservoir. Economic decisions on the desirability of the exploitation of the particular reservoir hinge on these findings. This paper presents a set of calculational procedure and thinking sequences available to the geothermal reservoir engineer that would aid in an appropriate management decision. An exploitable geothermal system consists of a fluid as well as a heat reservoir. Since much of the heat is stored in the confining rock, reinjection strategies are outlines for the efficient mining of heat.     

Towards a de-carbonized energy system in north-eastern Morocco: Prospective geothermal resource

Geothermal data has been indicating promising potentialities in the north-eastern Morocco. This paper presents new temperature data, recently recorded in water boreholes located in the Berkane and Oujda areas. Generally, the observed temperature gradients are rather high. One hole near Berkane, revealed an average geothermal gradient of more than 110 °C/km at depths greater than 300 m. This result confirms the geothermal gradient estimated in a mining borehole located about 30 km west of the Berkane borehole, in which water temperature of 96 °C is reached at a depth of about 700 m. Such a high geothermal gradient, exceeding by far the ones already determined for northeastern Morocco, could act as a stimulus to programs aimed at the geothermal exploitation of high temperature aquifers.     

Shallow subsurface temperature surveys in the basin and range province—II. Ground temperatures in the upsal hogback geothermal area, West-Central Nevada, U.S.A.

Numerous temperature surveys at a depth of 1 m were made in 1973–1985 in the Upsal Hogback and Soda Lakes geothermal areas in west-central Nevada. Whereas the surveys effectively delineated temperature at depth and heat flow within the relatively intense Soda Lakes thermal anomaly, they were not effective at the diffuse Upsal Hogback anomaly, where several perturbing factors that affect shallow subsurface temperatures are exceedingly variable. Albedo is the most important factor in the Upsal Hogback area, even at a depth of 30 m. All possible perturbing factors should be considered when designing a shallow temperature-based prospecting scheme.     

Geothermal resources in the shallow, unsaturated zone of the Wiesbaden spa district, Germany

The geothermal energy potential of the Wiesbaden spa district continues to be largely untapped. Although the thermal water is being utilized, any other activity liable to disturb the hydraulic regime of the thermal springs is prohibited. The geothermal potential of the unsaturated zone in the spa district has been mapped, although the zone must be regarded as a thermal insulator rather than a good conductor. The results of the mapping revealed the presence of a number of heat anomalies that could be exploited in the future; further economic benefits could be gained from installing the heat transfer units during road works. The modelling studies considered two possible scenarios: direct heating and heat pump usage. The results indicate that heat pumps are the more efficient option, yielding a thermal capacity of approximately 100 W/m².     

Simulation of heat extraction from crystalline rocks: The influence of coupled processes on differential reservoir cooling

Processes operating during the extraction of heat from fractured rocks influence dynamically their fluid flow and heat transport characteristics. The incorporation of pressure- and temperature-dependent rock parameters, coupled with geomechanical deformation, is particularly important for predictive modelling of geothermal reservoirs hosted in crystalline rock masses. Changes in flow and transport parameters of fractures caused by variations in local effective stress are computed using an experimentally validated geomechanical model [McDermott, C.I., Kolditz, O., 2006. Geomechanical model for fracture deformation under hydraulic, mechanical and thermal loads. Hydrogeol. J. 14, 487–498]. Local effective stress changes are linked to alterations in reservoir fluid pressures, and to in situ stress conditions, including the build-up of thermal stresses resulting from the cooling of the rock mass. These processes are simulated using a finite-element model in order to study the behaviour of the Spa Urach (southwestern Germany) potential geothermal reservoir. The model couples mechanical deformation and alteration of fracture parameters with pressure-, temperature- and salinity-dependent fluid parameter functions. The effects of potential reservoir damage on reservoir productivity are investigated to help identify optimal heat recovery schemes for the long-term economical exploitation of geothermal systems. Simulation results indicate that preferential fluid flow paths and shortcuts may develop, depending on the mechanical and thermal stress releases that occur during intense exploitation of these systems.     

Finite line-source model for borehole heat exchangers: effect of vertical temperature variations

A solution to the three-dimensional finite line-source (FLS) model for borehole heat exchangers (BHEs) that takes into account the prevailing geothermal gradient and allows arbitrary ground surface temperature changes is presented. Analytical expressions for the average ground temperature are derived by integrating the exact solution over the line-source depth. A self-consistent procedure to evaluate the in situ thermal response test (TRT) data is outlined. The effective thermal conductivity and the effective borehole thermal resistance can be determined by fitting the TRT data to the time-series expansion obtained for the average temperature.     

An overview of the state of geothermal energy

This paper provides an overview of the present status of geothermal energy world-wide. Although the origin of this form of energy dates back in history, its impetus (with the notable exceptions of Italy and Iceland) was the ‘energy crisis’ of the mid to late 1970s. A wide range of speculations were made during those years as to the potential contribution of geothermal energy to the world energy demand. The present lull in the energy scene allows a more realistic assessment of present and near future potential. Problem areas related to the development of the geothermal resource potential are also discussed. They address both natural, mainly liquid dominated, sources and the recovery of heat stored at depth in impervious rocks through man-made geothermal reservoirs known as the hot dry rock concept of heat mining.     

An alternative pathway from hot dry rock to green hydrogen by organic Rankine cycle applications

Some researchers have been focused on electricity generation using thermal energy extraction from HDRs via Organic Rankine cycles. This new research topic creates a new pathway to reach green hydrogen for countries that have geothermal power such as Turkey. In this study, a well in the Nevşehir region that does not has the potential to be used in direct geothermal energy applications due to the absence of water was examined. By using the heat obtained from HDR by injected water, the estimated amount of electricity that can be produced with a single shaft binary organic Rankine cycle was revealed by calculating the thermal energy that can be obtained from the wells which have a surface temperature of 183 °C at 2900 m 2900 m depth. In the next step, the hydrolysis of water with electricity obtained from renewable energy and the hydrogen potential that can be produced were revealed. This hydrogen, which is estimated to be produced, can be fed directly to the natural gas lines or subjected to processes such as storage or industrial usage.     

Evaluation of heat exchange rate of GHE in geothermal heat pump systems

Total thermal resistance of ground heat exchanger (GHE) is comprised of that of the soil and inside the borehole. The thermal resistance of soil can be calculated using the linear source theory and cylindrical source theory, while that inside the borehole is more complicated due to the integrated resistance of fluid convection, and the conduction through pipe and grout. Present study evaluates heat exchange rate per depth of GHE by calculating the total thermal resistance, and compares different methods to analyze their similarities and differences for engineering applications. The effects of seven separate factors, running time, shank spacing, depth of borehole, velocity in the pipe, thermal conductivity of grout, inlet temperature and soil type, on the thermal resistance and heat exchange rate are analyzed. Experimental data from several real geothermal heat pump (GHP) applications in Shanghai are used to validate the present calculations. The observations from this study are to provide some guidelines for the design of GHE in GHP systems.     

GIS-supported mapping of shallow geothermal potential of representative areas in south-western Germany—Possibilities and limitations

The increasing interest in the utilization of shallow geothermal energy comes with the wish for better knowledge about the factors influencing its efficiency. For this purposes we focused on the subsurface condition's influence on the use of borehole heat exchangers (BHEs) coupled with a heat pump for heating purposes, since this is the most popular heat-extracting technique. We created maps showing the potential for this technique provided by the thermal underground properties. Therefore, we established an underground model for two study areas in south-western Germany with different geological settings using a geographic information system (GIS). The subsurface has been divided into layers with similar thermal properties based on geological, hydrogeological and lithological information. The layers have been attached with specific heat extraction values, according to the German VDI guideline 4640. For depths of 50 and 100 m, the weighted mean value of the specific heat extraction was calculated and presented within maps. These maps point out how the heat-extraction potential differs within and between the study areas and how it depends on depth.     

Shallow submarine and subaerial, low-enthalpy hydrothermal manifestations in Punta Banda, Baja California, Mexico: Geophysical and geochemical characterization

The low-enthalpy geothermal system at Punta Banda (NW Baja California Peninsula, Mexico) has been studied because it might provide heat to future desalination plants in the city of Ensenada. Utilization of subaerial, intertidal and submarine hot springs is evaluated based on geochemical and geophysical data. The results of the geochemical studies show that the geothermal fluids have a major meteoric water component because seawater is not present at the subaerial springs and hot wells. The highest estimated reservoir temperature (140 °C) calculated using a silica geothermometer corresponds to the Agua Caliente intertidal manifestation, a promising area also identified by geophysics. Geothermometric calculations applied to the computed composition of the thermal end member yield a reservoir temperature of 137 °C. Cl/B ratios indicate that the thermal fluids discharged by the intertidal vents and subaerial springs are similar, but they differ from those of submarine vents. Geoelectrical models depict an anomalous conductive trend from the La Jolla well to the Agua Caliente manifestation, suggesting the presence of a fault that allows upflow of hot water from depth. Lastly, integration of geochemical and geophysical data identified the best site for future exploration drilling at Punta Banda.