Geothermal Resource Management

Comprehensive and efficient resource management is an essential part of successful geothermal utilization, in particular to prevent overexploitation and general operational problems. It relies on the proper understanding of the geothermal system involved, which in turn depends on extensive data, information and research. The most important data on a geothermal system’s nature and properties are obtained through careful monitoring of its response to long-term production. Such monitoring data provides the basis for geothermal reservoir modelling. Iceland GeoSurvey offers comprehensive services related to the following aspects of geothermal resource management:

• Physical monitoring
  Which basically involves measuring mass and heat transport through wells as well as changes in reservoir pressure and temperature (energy content). Such monitoring can be partly, or fully, automated as well as remotely controlled.  
• Chemical monitoring
  To detect changes in reservoir fluid characteristics, which may e.g. reflect inflow of colder fluid, sea-water, etc.  
• Indirect monitoring
  Which involves monitoring reservoir changes through different surface observations; mainly surface elevation measurements, micro-gravity observations and micro-seismic monitoring.  
• Geothermal system modelling
  Through the different methods available, varying in complexity, which are used to estimate the production potential of geothermal systems and for other reservoir management purposes.  
• Reinjection research and planning
  Which may incorporate tracer test execution, monitoring and modelling. Reinjection is primarily used to dispose of wastewater, but is increasingly being used to advance the sustainable utilization of geothermal resources.    
• Environmental monitoring,
  Which involves monitoring possible adverse effects of geothermal utilization on the surroundings of operating geothermal installations, in particular on air, ground-water, flora and fauna.
• Sustainability assessments
  Aimed at estimating the sustainable production potential of geothermal systems and planning their sustainable utilization according to different utilization scenarios. Such assessments are based on the contention that geothermal resources can in fact be utilized according to scenarios that can be operated for 100 – 300 years.

Projects in Iceland: In low- and high-enthalpy systems.

Projects worldwide: China, Kenya, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador.