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1st Geoscience & Engineering in Energy Transition Conference
- Conference date: November 16-18, 2020
- Location: Strasbourg, France
- Published: 16 November 2020
21 - 40 of 64 results
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Basin Modeling for Shifting the Petroleum System Models to the Needs of the Energy Transition
Authors M. Cacas-Stentz, A. Reinert-Brüch, J. Frey, D. Colombo, J. Berthelon, T. Cornu and C. GoutSummaryBasin modeling is a technology for simulating the geologic processes involved in the development of sedimentary basins. It was developed for the purpose of Oil & Gas exploration to predict the location and nature of hydrocarbon traps and to identify overpressure risk before drilling.
With a few additional development efforts, the range of basin modeling applications can be enlarged. In the present paper, we show that coupling basin modeling with an existing mechanical simulation code makes it possible to accurately model the spatial distribution of geomechanical stresses and natural fracturing at regional scale, which are a valuable information in the frame of geothermal or CO2 storage site screening or production modeling. The coupled simulation is applied to the case study of the Neuquèn basin, Argentina, where it appears that tectonic stress significantly controls overpressure development and natural fracturing. This illustrates the potential use of basin modelling simulations for making decision or assessing and selecting optimal location for CO2 sequestration or geothermal exploitation at the basin scale.
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Building New Business in the Energy Transition Using Upstream Capabilities and Assets
Authors H. Coppes, E. Vermolen and E. Hoogerduijn StratingSummaryMany of the developed technical capabilities in Upstream can be directly transferred into developing new business opportunities in geothermal energy, E-hubs, CCS and energy storage. Also, Upstream assets are well suited to be re-deployed for generation of renewable energy. The outlook of scaling up projects provides an opportunity for business improvement through standardization and life-cycle development planning, areas where Shell has proven capabilities.
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Hydrogen Reactivity with (2) an Aquifer - PHREEQC Geochemical Thermodynamics Calculations
Authors N. Jacquemet, P. Chiquet and A. GraulsSummaryTEREGA has been using for 60 years an aquifer in southwestern France to store natural gas. This would be a potential host for hydrogen co-storage. In this context, we evaluated through PHREEQC geochemical thermodynamics calculations the possible rock-fluid interactions and their consequences on the reservoir porosity. The following reactions were predicted: methanogenesis (conversion of carbonates to methane), accompanied by an alkalinisation of the water; ferric iron; sulphate; disulphide; and nitrogen reductions by hydrogen. These reactions led to the reductive dissolutions of the reservoir rock minerals calcite, goethite, barite and pyrite. Dissolution of kaolinite was also predicted, due to the alkalinisation of the water. The released elements/compounds precipitated as iron sulphide and zeolite minerals while baryum and sulphides accumulated in the water. The mineral dissolution-precipitation reactions did not affected significantly the reservoir porosity. These results need to be put in perspective regarding the maximizing assumptions of constant hydrogen fugacity and thermodynamic equilibrium reaching. Our study could be improved by: (i) including kinetics for hydrogenotrophic microbial metabolic as well as for mineral dissolution-precipitation reactions; (ii) considering the advective-dispersive-diffusive transport of hydrogen within aquifer. Our modelling results will be compared to the outcomes of the laboratory tests of the R&D project RINGS.
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Energy Transition, Strategies and Competencies: Outcomes from an AI Decision Support System
By L. LevatoSummaryThe project ZEST (Zero Emission - Skills for Transition) uses an AI to investigate the changing needs of the energy sector in terms of competences to face the challenges of the energy transition. The results indicate that the Oil and Gas sector is generally adapting to this challenge in the continuity of its core capabilities, in particular by realigning its portfolio. Data Science and Machine Learning are relevant to foster agility, confirming what is widely communicated in the media. Soft-skills which favour innovation, such as searching alternatives, changing paradigms, adaptability, anticipating situations, versatility, future orientation, are perceived as central to addressing the energy transition. We are preparing a second run of the AI to explore which additional players in the energy transition, beside the O&G and the mining industry, will most likely require the expertise of geoscientists.
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Above Zone Aquifer Pressure Survey as Part of CCS Intelligent Monitoring System
Authors F. Aloueke, M. Jazayeri Noushabadi, V. Jaffrezic and A. BrissetSummaryAbove zone, Monitoring, pressure transient analysis, leakage
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Well Placement Optimization Based on Pressure Gradient Distribution; Applicable to CO2 Sequestration
Authors H. Derijani, R.D. Haynes and L.A. JamesSummaryIn well location optimization, the appropriate selection of initial guess for the optimization algorithms can reduce the required number of simulation runs. In this research, the idea of well location optimization based on pressure gradient distribution in the reservoir for CO2 injection is presented. Targets are those with low absolute pressure gradients leading to the areas minimally influenced by the existing injection wells.
The pressure profile of a steady-state case is applied to define the objective function based on the pressure gradient and superposition principle. The numerical active set method is implemented for the optimization algorithm as it can include the effect of multiple wells and linear boundaries. In a simple reservoir of fixed properties, this corresponds to the optimum well location for injection or production, whereas in a reservoir with variable properties, the result is an initial guess for the optimization process. The optimization algorithm is addressed for two scenarios including two and four CO2 injection wells.
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Integrating AI with CMMS Maintenance Module to Reduce Offshore Operational Breakdown
Authors D.K. Pandey and D. PandeySummaryBASSNET is a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) which is utilized by FPSO to track the records for preservation and troubleshooting jobs performed on equipment. BASSNET not only provides the detail of work orders, but also helps management in understanding the equipment’s working behavior and based on those performances, decisions are made to improve the integrity and life of an asset. Despite of several advantages, the software has few limitations due to which machine downtime still exists. AI (Artificial Intelligence) Database Module such as PREDIX, Hybrid Data Platform (HDP), etc. can be used in order to overcome the limitations of BASSNET. In this technical paper, operational shortcomings of BASSNET is highlighted and accordingly a blueprint is proposed to integrate the Breakdown Report (BDR) in the CMMS with the help of AI Database Module. This integration would not only enhance the scheduling of preventive maintenance but also initiates the predictive maintenance based on past breakdown history
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Net Zero Teesside: Subsurface Evaluation of Endurance
Authors F. Sutherland, L. Duffy, D. Ashby, P. Legrand, G. Jones and E. JudeSummaryNet Zero Teesside is planned to be the first decarbonised industrial cluster in the UK by 2030. CO2 will be captured at a combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power station and other industries in Teesside and the CO2 compressed and piped out to the Endurance structure in the Southern North Sea. The reservoir for storing the CO2 is the Triassic Bunter Sandstone Fm.
To move the project forward (planned to enter FEED in late 2020) the subsurface team have undertaken a number of workstreams to assess and assure the capacity, containment and injectivity of Endurance for CO2 storage. In this paper we look at some of this work and its impact on the project. This includes the reprocessing and interpretation of seismic data, integrated sedimentological description for facies to populate the geocellular model, structural analysis to assess overburden faulting and sea integrity, and an understanding of the rock properties of the aquifer for pressure dissipation during CO2 injection.
The new work has fed into a geocellular model to assess a large range of downside scenarios to ensure the project is robust, and this model has been taken through dynamic simulation to investigate development scenarios.
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The Potential of High-Temperature Storage Systems in Depleted Oil Reservoirs in the Upper Rhine Graben
Authors K.R. Stricker, J. Grimmer, R. Egert, J. Bremer, M. Gholami Korzani, E. Schill and T. KohlSummaryHT-ATES (high-temperature aquifer thermal energy storage) systems represent a future technology to shift large amounts of excess heat from summer to winter using reservoirs in the deep underground. Among others, depleted hydrocarbon-bearing reservoir formations may constitute favorable storage conditions for HT-ATES. This study characterizes these reservoirs in the Upper Rhine Graben (URG) and quantifies their heat storage potential numerically. Assuming a doublet system with semi-annual injection and production cycles, injection at 140 °C in a reservoir with an ambient temperature of 70 °C leads to an annual storage capacity of up to 12 GWh and significant recovery efficiencies increasing up to 82 % after ten years of operation. Our sensitivity analysis of operational conditions identifies reservoir conditions (e.g. permeability or thickness) and the drilling configuration (horizontal/vertical) as the most influencing parameters. With about 90 % of the investigated reservoirs in the URG potentially transferable into HT-ATES systems, our analyses reveal a large storage potential of these oil reservoirs.
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Making ESG Considerations Relevant in Mineral Exploration Projects – Lessons Learned from INFACT Project
Authors M. Komac, C. MacCallum and J. RussilSummaryThe importance and value of considering Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors at the start of the exploration process can be demonstrated by numerous projects across Europe, the ongoing antimining sentiment as well as arbitration cases. INFACT’s research in deciding what methods to use where and when during the different phases of mineral exploration has involved determination and consideration of a range of technological and ESG factors.
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Risks and Challenges of the Transition to an Integrated Geothermal Concept for the Göttingen University Campus
Authors B. Leiss, D. Romanov and B. WagnerSummaryThis study presents the main strategic risks and challenges to be faced during the prospective transition from the existing fossil fuel-based energy system to an integrated „Enhanced Geothermal Systems” -concept, which includes deep, medium, and shallow geothermal energy, for district heating and cooling of the Göttingen university campus (demo site of the EU-HORIZON2020-project MEET). Such an innovative integrated concept aims for lowering the financial risks and maximizing decarbonisation effects. The geological and technical preconditions of the demo site are analyzed, and a basic conceptual scheme is suggested. To overcome the challenges of the implementation of such a complex system, an intensive cooperation between all stakeholders, coherent planning and financing, and a modular, step-by-step approach is a prerequisite.
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Transitioning from Oil and Gas to Geothermal: A Geoscience Perspective
Authors J. Hardman, R. Bolton, E. Drumm, R. Crossley, C. Olivares, E. MacInnes and R. JarvisSummaryThere are over 300 geothermal plants operating in 35 countries. The majority of the power plants occur in geologically complex high-temperature volcanic areas and limited well success rates in these settings limits commercial returns. Future geothermal drilling will turn increasingly to sedimentary basins. In this context, there are some key similarities between the skills, understanding and data used for the exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons and that of geothermal energy. Insights into the geoscientific challenges faced in drilling sedimentary basins will enhance our ability to evaluate and develop geothermal resources in a manner that minimises subsurface risk. This paper aims to outline the different phases of a geothermal exploration and development campaign, highlighting areas of overlap between the geothermal industry and knowledge and data from the petroleum industry. By utilising the potential synergies between the petroleum and geothermal industries, the energy industry will be well positioned to transfer from oil and gas to geothermal.
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GEORISK: Developing Geothermal Projects By Mitigating Risks
Authors P. Dumas and C. SerranoSummaryGeothermal project development has several risky components, the most important one being the resource risk. Until the first borehole has been drilled into the geothermal reservoir, developers cannot be sure about the exact parameters (temperature and flow rate) of the planned geothermal electricity or h&c project.
Risk insurance Funds for the geological risk already exist in some European countries (France, Germany, Iceland, The Netherlands, Denmark, Flanders in Belgium and Switzerland). However, such Funds have been not existing in several countries prospective for geothermal deployment (including eg. Greece, Hungary, Poland).
The establishment of such risk mitigation scheme all over the world to cover the exploration phase and the first drilling (test) is key for a large development of deep geothermal. But it appears clear that a risk mitigation scheme must be designed, especially the involvement of private financers, according to the market maturity of the sector in each country and region.
The GEORISK project, which started in October 2018 for 30 months, aims at establishing such risk insurance schemes all over Europe and in some key target third countries to cover the resource and the technical risks.
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GEOENVI: Tackling the Environmental Concerns for Deploying Geothermal Energy in Europe
Authors P. Dumas and V. MazzagattiSummaryThe advantages of using geothermal for power production and H&C are not widely known. Recently, deep geothermal energy production in some regions is confronted with a negative perception, particularly in terms of environmental performance, which could seriously hamper its market uptake. Thus, environmental impact assessment is a prerequisite to the deployment of the deep geothermal resources. The concept of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) allows analysis and comparison of the environmental impacts of different energy production technologies over their life cycle stages – from extraction of raw materials to production, transport, use and endof-life.
GEOENVI project, kicked-off in November 2018 for 30 months, aims at engaging with both decision-makers and geothermal market actors, to adopt recommendations on environmental regulations and to promote the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology implementation by geothermal stakeholders.
The project aims at proposing recommendations on harmonised European environmental regulations to the decision-makers, at elaborating simplified LCA models to assess environmental impacts and finally at communicating properly on environmental concerns.
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Seismic Velocity Characterization and Modelling for Synergetic Utilisation of CO2 Storage Coupled with Geothermal Energy Extraction
Authors M. Janssen, J. Russel, A. Barnhoorn, D. Draganov, K. Wolf and S. DurucanSummaryWhile deep geothermal energy is seen as a zero-emission renewable energy source, bulk of the geothermal energy plants do emit carbon dioxide (CO2) as part of the produced steam. In the current ACT Consortium funded project SUCCEED, researchers are investigating the potential for injecting produced and captured CO2 into the reservoir with the aim of enhancing geothermal production as well as permanently storing CO2 at the Kizildere (Turkey) and Hellisheidi (Iceland) geothermal fields. The re-injection of CO2 will be monitored at both sites using a novel seismic monitoring system. Prior to conducting active seismic surveys, we are performing a combined experimental and modelling study in order to: i) select the proper acquisition configuration for both sites, and ii) help the interpretation of field data to be recorded. This research presents a well-controlled laboratory study on the relationship between axial and radial stress and seismic velocities. Our first experimental results show that the rate of velocity increase, as function of increasing stress, is largest at low absolute stresses. This most probably reflects the closing of microcracks at low stress values, resulting in increased velocities. The results obtained in the laboratory, that reveal seismic velocities as function of stress (i.e. depth) for each of the different lithologies, are used as an input for modelling seismic reflections at Kizildere (Turkey) and Hellisheidi (Iceland). For both sites, we perform simulations where the source-receiver configurations and the type of pore-fluid (brine or CO2) are varied. Our first simulations show that changing the pore-fluid from brine to CO2 yields an overall lowering of the bulk density and seismic velocity of the reservoir, the latter resulting in an increased acoustic impedance contrast. The modelling results will be used for designing an optimal active seismic survey at both project sites for monitoring the CO2 injection.
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Modeling of Transient Multiphase Flow in a CO2 Injection Well with the Wellbore-Reservoir Coupled Simulator T2Well-ECO2M
Authors K. Strpic, A. Battistelli, S. Bonduà, V. Bortolotti, P. Macini and L. PanSummaryThis paper presents preliminary results of a new T2Well version, coupled with modified ECO2M equation of state, able to simulate three-phase flow in the wellbore with the coexistence of liquid and gaseous CO2, with the final aim to be able to detect possible operational problems caused by phase changes during transient flow periods.
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Environmental Impacts of Geothermal, Natural Gas and Biomass Used for Heat Generation at a Starch Plant
Authors M. Douziech, G. Ravier, P. Perez-Lopez and I. BlancSummaryIn the framework of the GEOENVI H2020 project a LCA model of the Rittershoffen geothermal heat plant was performed in compliance with the methodological guidelines developped as part of this research project The application of the new LCA model provides an updated estimate of greenhouse gas emissions as well as additional results for several environmental indicators. These environmental impacts for geothermal heat generation are also compared to the heat generated by natural gas and biomass.
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4D Seismic Modelling Applied to CO2 Leak Detection: Sensitivity Analysis - Part A
Authors C. Le Magoarou, E. Schissele-Rebel and P. ThoreSummaryWhen injecting CO2 in a reservoir interval, one of the main risk to monitor is the possibility of a leak into an upper reservoir interval through a fault or a legacy well. This paper presents a 1D sensitivity study on the key parameters accounting for the leak detectability using time-lapse seismic: the ambient noise and the repeatability of the acquisition device used. Dealing with thin layers of CO2 also raises new concerns on the reliability of the amplitude, thickness and position of the detected anomaly because of the tuning phenomena. The tuning thickness is a function of the frequency of the wavelength used in the modelling process as it is equal to a fourth of the dominant frequency.
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Limiting Sand Production in Unconsolidated Aquifers: Implications for Low-Enthalpy Geothermal Well Development
Authors N. Buik and M. De KruijfSummaryThe geothermal energy sector is rapidly developing in the Netherlands. Low-enthalpy direct use geothermal wells are typically developed in aquifers at depths of 1,800–3,000 m, the same reservoirs targeted for hydrocarbon exploration. Alternative shallower targets include unconsolidated aquifers within the North Sea Supergroup, with producible water at temperatures of 20 - 50 °C. To maximize heat extraction from these aquifers high flow rates are needed. Conversely, the well design must inhibit the mobilization of formation grains. In the Netherlands well design criteria for aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) systems (typically < 200 m depth) consist of a maximum flow velocity on the borehole wall, which is independent of depth. For wells in deeper aquifers (300 – 1,500 m), the in situ stress as a function of depth is not incorporated in the design. The Drucker-Prager criterion can be used to determine shear failure at formation depth, so that a maximum allowable flow rate can be calculated. Empirically derived relations from the literature are presented to determine input parameters for the DruckerPrager criterion if lab measurements are absent. A comparison of the different well design criteria demonstrates that in situ stresses need to be incorporated for maximum allowable flow rate estimations.
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4D Seismic Modelling Applied to CO2 Leak Detection : 3D Case Study - Part B
Authors C. Le Magoarou, E. Schissele-Rebel, M. Boisson, S. Bakthiari and M. Jazayeri NoushabadiSummaryWhen injecting CO2 in a reservoir interval, one of the main risk to monitor is the possibility of a leak into an upper reservoir interval through a fault or a legacy well. This study presents a 3D seismic modelling of a CO2 plume in the main reservoir and the associated leak computed using a fully coupled reservoir-geomechanics simulation. The modelling is performed using a 30Hz and a 60Hz wavelet and filters are applied to mimic the resulting detectable seismic signal using different acquisition devices. The leak geometry and physical characteristics are also studied to create guidelines on the key parameters accounting for its detectability.
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