Multidisciplinary approach to assess geothermal potential, Tønder area, North German Basin. (March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hjuler, Morten Leth; Olivarius, Mette; Boldreel, Lars Ole; Kristensen, Lars; Laier, Troels; Mathiesen, Anders; Nielsen, Carsten Møller; Nielsen, Lars Henrik
• Is Part Of: Geothermics. Volume 78(2019)
• Page Start: 211
• Page End: 223
• Publication Date: 2019-03
• Subjects: Low-enthalpy geothermal energy -- Multidisciplinary reservoir characterization -- Bunter Sandstone Formation -- Reservoir properties -- Reservoir continuity -- Facies-dependent reservoir quality; Hydrogeology -- Periodicals; Geothermal resources -- Periodicals; Énergie géothermique -- Périodiques; GEOTHERMAL ENGINEERING; GEOTHERMAL ENERGY; GEOTHERMAL EXPLORATION; Geothermal resources; Hydrogeology; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 621.44
• DOI: 10.1016/j.geothermics.2018.12.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0375-6505

Abstract

Highlights: A multidisciplinary approach optimizes the quality of reservoir characterization. The geothermal potential of the Tønder area is significant. The Bunter Sandstone Formation includes three potential geothermal reservoirs. Reservoir properties determined for the lower, middle and upper Bunter sandstones. Depositional environment controls spatial extent and quality of the reservoirs. Abstract: This study demonstrates how a multidisciplinary approach can optimize reservoir characterization and thereby reduce the risk of failure for a potential geothermal development. A geological model of three Lower Triassic low-enthalpy geothermal reservoirs is presented based on available existing data, where 2D and 3D seismic surveys and five deep wells provide data for structural, petrophysical, petrographical, provenance and pore water analysis. Reservoir properties and continuity are controlled by depositional environment and are further affected by the highly saline formation brine, nitrogen gas and cementation by carbonate, anhydrite and halite. The lower Bunter sandstone forms a continuous reservoir of excellent quality, the middle Bunter sandstone constitutes a potential upside reservoir and the upper Bunter sandstone displays variable reservoir properties due to spatial variations in reservoir continuity.