Resource
Exploration
Services
We identify and characterize geothermal resources prior to drilling. To do this, we use modern and traditional geothermal techniques. We provide complete geophysical exploration programs tailored to your geothermal resource:
Magnetotelluric Surveys
Magnetotelluric (MT) surveying is the main geophysical method used in geothermal exploration, development and operations - and has been for the last 40-50 years. MT measures the earth’s naturally occurring electric and magnetic fields and translates them into images of the electrical resistivity of the subsurface. The images provide a basis to estimate the potential size of a geothermal resource. MT data is also key to developing conceptual models and targeting wells, so we can tap into your geothermal energy resource in the lowest-risk and most-economical way.
Geophysical Survey Design
MT surveys should be designed considering existing geoscience data (e.g. hot spring geochemistry and geology), the sub-surface targets being imaged, accessibility and cost. The station locations for magnetotelluric measurements should be carefully planned to avoid noise sources (e.g. powerlines, highways, etc) so that high quality resistivity images can be created. Acquisition of other geophysical surveys, such as gravity and magnetics, may also be useful and should be considered based on the available geoscience data and cost.
Converting Data into 3D Models
Inversion is the process of turning magnetotelluric data into resistivity images that can then be used to assess geothermal resources and define the best locations for wells. In collaboration with our partners, we can provide both 1D and 3D inversions. We work with our clients to provide products (e.g. maps and cross-sections) that can be easily integrated into their GIS and 3D modelling software packages.
Data Acquisition
The acquisition of MT data typically takes up to two to four weeks. We ensure that data quality is monitored throughout the survey, and stations are repeated to ensure a high quality dataset is obtained.
Resource Capacity Assessments
Determining the size of a geothermal resource is essential to assessing whether it is economically viable to develop. To do this, we use a probabilistic approach using the power density method to determine electrical generating capacity (MWe) at various confidence levels. This can be used during the exploration phase and to supplement numerical modelling estimates of generating capacity during the development and operational phases.
Exploration Well Targeting
Drilling is by far the most expensive phase of geothermal resource exploration, so it’s important to select locations that achieve the exploration goals whilst minimizing money spent. The goal of exploration drilling is to prove if a geothermal resource with sufficient temperature and permeability exists and to determine if its size is economically attractive for use in generating electricity or use as a source of heat. We develop customized exploration drilling plans and strategy based on resource conceptual models and drilling decision trees.