Welcome to the EGPD 2021 session programme!
The main topic of the 12th EGPD is “Geothermics in a critically stressed crust”
Four sessions will compose the two days. Each one will be led by a PhD chairperson.
Each session will comprise a 30 minutes keynote lecture with time for questions, 1 hour for the PhD’s flash presentations and 1 hour posters of the dedicated thematic.
Session 1: Reservoir geomechanics and reservoir management (PhD chairperson: Batoul Gisler)
Geomechanical studies highlight the important aspects to consider for economic geothermal reservoir creation, development and management. We know that rock mechanics, fluid flow and in-situ stress characterization, among others, are of paramount importance. But what about the physics of how, why and when? Not to mention the uncertainty quantification and sensitivity analysis aspects.
In this session, we uncover some of these crucial issues, exchange ideas and findings, and provide a platform for discussion in regard to the proper design of geothermal systems – from a geomechanical perspective.
Session 2: Earthquake mechanics (PhD chairperson: Léa Perrochet)
Earthquakes are an important aspect to consider when planning underground projects such as geothermal power plants. Indeed, history proves that seismicity has a direct influence on a project, whether it is positive or negative. Understanding the context in which earthquakes occur and how they are related to human activities will improve the seismic risk mitigation and, hopefully, lead to a greater number of geothermal project to a successful conclusion.
This session aims at sharing knowledge about induced seismicity and earthquakes risk mitigation in the context of geothermal project. From methodologies to case studies – any contribution is welcome !
Session 3: Faults characteristics and properties (PhD chairperson: Davide Geremia)
Reservoirs are commonly affected by deformation which is manifested in the presence of faults. Studying these features is extremely important as they can exhibit a variety of different behaviors with respect to fluid migration. Furthermore, a cyclic extraction and injection of water may induce chemical and/or mechanical variations, as well as alteration in the stress state, which can cause a change in the fault characteristics and properties.
This session aims in bringing together all the studies highlighting the understanding of these structures and how they react to the processes of geothermal energy production.
Session 4: Modelling of geothermal processes (PhD chairperson: Thanushika Gunatilake)
Numerical modelling is a common tool to run progressive research on geothermal system and requires an advanced understanding on coupled processes. Amongst other things, it is e.g. used to model:
– hydrogeological processes at regional and local scale
– investigate hydraulic fracturing process
– characterizing a geometry of a system, flow and transport properties of a conductive path
– understand fluid-rock interaction and heat structure.
Also, since geothermal processes are complex to understand due to the heterogeneity in physical and geological properties, the main goal of numerical modeling is to gain important outcome as relevant information and control the parameters.
The aim of this session is to offer a platform to present and discuss the use of numerical modeling for the development of geothermal system.
Final word: Applied geothermal case studies and introduction to site visits