Hannes Hofmann and Günter Zimmermann
Deep geothermal energy has an enormous untapped potential to support the energy transition. Nevertheless, the contribution of geothermal energy is still limited because most heat is stored in low permeability rock without sufficient natural flow for economic production. Additionally, there is the risk of drilling into low permeability rock even when promising formations are targeted and the risk that permeable formations are damaged during drilling and operation. In all cases, geothermal well productivity/injectivity may be improved by hydraulic stimulation. However, hydraulic stimulation efficiency is often limited, and high-pressure cold-water injection can potentially induce earthquakes leading to a stop of geothermal projects in entire regions. To improve stimulation efficiency and reduce seismic risks, the understanding of the underlying processes needs to be improved and stimulation procedures need to be advanced.
We welcome abstracts that investigate how different natural and operational parameters and processes influence productivity and injectivity increase and decline. A focus of this session is on theories, models and experiments of stimulation methods that improve reservoir permeability while managing environmental impacts such as induced seismicity.