# Presentation: 456271

## DOE Financial Assistance Programs

- U.S. Department of Energy
- Idaho Operations Office
- March 20, 2003

## Grants

| University | Research Area |
| --- | --- |
| Kansas State University – Daniel Swenson  | EGS |
| New Mexico Technology Institute – James C. Witcher | Exploration |
| Pennsylvania State University – Peter Heaney | ESR&T |
| Southern Methodist University – David Blackwell | Exploration |
| Stanford University – Roland Horne | Reservoir Engineering |
| University of California – San Diego – Nancy Moller | Fundamental Research |
| University of Nevada – Reno – Lisa Shevenell | EX & EGS |
| University of North Carolina – Jose Rial | EGS & Reservoir Engineering |
| University of North Dakota – Ahmad Ghassemi | EGS |
| University of Utah – Energy and Geoscience Institute
Task 1 – Jeff Hulen
Task 2 – Joe Moore
Task 3 – Greg Nash
Task 4 – Phil Wanamaker
Task 5 – Mike Adams
Task 6 – Pete Rose | 
Fundamental Science
Fundamental Science
Exploration Technology
Exploration Technology
Tracer R&D
EGS |
| University of Wisconsin – David L. Alumbaugh | Exploration |

## Type of Research

- Reservoir Characterization & Management
- Remote Sensing and Imaging Tools
- Exploration Models
- Resource Analysis
- Thermoelastic Hydraulic Fracture Design
- Production and Injection Strategies
- Permeability
- Tracers
- Gas Analysis of Geothermal Fluid Inclusions

## Status

- 27 current research projects
- 15 in a process of closeout
- Last solicitation was announced in July 2002
- 22 proposals received
- 4 new projects selected for funding
- 5 projects selected for possible future funding
- FY2003 commitments
- $3,565K for current research proposed
- $0K for new research
- $2,600K Earmark by congress
- Future Solicitation in FY2004

## Field Studies of Geothermal Reservoirs Rio Grande Rift, NMJames C. WitcherNew Mexico State University

**Achievements****	**
**Identified Common Structural Settings of Rift Reservoirs**
- Structurally-high bedrock uplifts at low surface elevation
- Regional aquitards removed by erosion or faulting
- Pre-rifting basement control (Mesozoic compressional and transpressional structures)
- Transfer zones at fault, graben, and rift scales
- Post mid-Miocene structural inversion
**Benefits and Use**
- First-order hydrogeologic exploration model
- Framework for blind reservoir discovery
- Locate best drill targets at known reservoirs

## A Geochemical and Microanalytical Study of Silica Scale Deposition in Geothermal Brines Peter HeaneyPenn State

**Achievements**
- Examined the rates of silica condensation and precipitation in supersaturated solutions using brine chemistries suggested by the Geothermal Power and Operations section of Unocal.
- Relationships between silica concentration, pH, and ionic strength have been incorporated into computer models used by engineers at Unocal for assessing brine behaviors in new systems.
- Explored the nature of the silica complexes formed with simple alcohol-rich molecules using molecular dynamical simulation methods with the program Cerius2.
- Compared the rates of silica condensation and precipitation in solutions with and without dissolved sulfite, a potential silica scale inhibitor.
- Investigate the growth and stability of colloidal silica using gel filtration chromatography, ultrafiltration, atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and light scattering analysis.
**Benefits and Use**
- Publications

## Application of Thermal Techniques for Exploration and Assessment of Basin and Range Geothermal Resources David BlackwellSMU

**Achievements**
- Thermal and drilling data from the Dixie Valley Geothermal Field
- Geophysical surveys of Dixie Valley including gravity and aeromagnetics and integrated the geophysical, seismic, geological and drilling data at Dixie Valley into local and regional geologic models
- Natural state mass and energy transport fluid flow models of generic Basin and Range systems based on Dixie Valley data
- Relation between natural heat loss for geothermal and electrical power production potential and determined heat flow for 27 different geothermal systems
- Developed web based data base including information from over 5,900 geothermal exploration wells
**Benefits and Use**
- Publications

## Laboratory Measurements of Properties for Steam/Water Flow in Geothermal RocksRoland HorneStanford

**Achievements**
- Measurement of multiphase flow properties of geothermal rocks under boiling conditions.
- Fundamental study of flow in fractures, in support of the development of techniques to optimize production and reinjection design.
- Development of methods to determine reservoir saturation from surface measurements.
**Benefits and Use**
- Improved resource recovery and effectiveness.
- Methodology to reduce the uncertainty of reservoir performance calculations
- Clearer predictions of the remaining life of the reservoir for planning purposes
- Stanford Workshop
- Publications

## Technology for Increasing Geothermal Energy ProductivityNancy Moller-Weare an John WeareUCSD

**Achievements**
- TEQUIL: Comprehensive models of solid-liquid-gas equilibria in the H-Na-K-Ca-OH-Cl-HSO4-SO4-HCO3-CO3-H4SiO4o-H3SiO4--H2O-CO2(g)-SiO2  system to high brine concentration and temperature (< 300°C).
- GEOFLUIDS: New equation of state models for supercritical applications that can accurately predict multiple phase conditions, critical behavior and PVTX properties of compressible fluids in the system, salt--CO2-CH4-H2O.
- GEOHEAT: Enthalpy models of NaCl-H2O brines (T < 300°C) and H2O-CO2-CH4 gas phases.
**Benefits and Use**
- Interactive web site, GEOTHERM.UCSD.edu, and user interface software.
- Publications

## Great Basin Center for Geothermal EnergyLisa ShevenellUNR

**Achievements**
- Predicted the spatial trends of known high temperatures using GPS
- Enhanced understanding of the subsurface geologic framework of the Hot Springs Mountains, including depth to basement and geometry of faults
- A regional geophysical database supporting the exploration for new, hidden geothermal fields has been initiated with a resolution of 8 km, which was supplemented by a successful deep seismic sounding experiment
**Benefits and Use**
- In 2002, the funded projects led to 14 technical publications, and nine presentations at the annual GRC meeting plus five additional presentations in other venues.
- Collaborations with industry partners
- Publications

## Characterization of Fracture Patterns in the Geysers Geothermal FieldJose RialUNC

**Achievements**
- Compiled the largest and most complete data set on shear-wave splitting parameters (fast shear-wave polarization and differential time delay pairs) in the world, from micro-earthquake seismic records recorded at The Geysers and Coso geothermal fields.
- Constructed 3D maps showing fracture patterns and crack densities under all the array stations at The Geysers and Coso.
- Developed and implemented a Matlab-based, interactive, graphics-oriented inversion computer code for shear-wave splitting data processing, measurement of split parameters, forward modeling and inversion of crack-induced anisotropy.
- Inverted shear-wave splitting parameter data sets to obtain subsurface crack geometry and crack densities in NW and SE Geysers and in selected stations at Coso.
**Benefits and Use**
- Publications

## Thermoelastic Hydraulic Fracture Design Tool Ahmad GhassemiUND

**Achievements**
- Analysis of fracture initiation from a wellbore
- Development of a two-dimensional boundary element code for modeling fracture propagation;
- Theoretical study of fluid flow and heat exchange in induced fractures and related stresses (2D and 3D)
- Integration of the analytic and numerical algorithms into a user-friendly software package
**Benefits and Use**
- Quantitatively consider fracture propagation for development of EGS, including the influence of faults on fracture direction
- Study influence of cooling on stress distribution and fracture slip/propagation
- Guide drilling strategies
- Publications

## Improved Conceptual Modeling of High-Temperature, Western U.S. Geothermal SystemsJeff HulenUniversity of Utah - EGI

**Achievements**
- Refine and develop new conceptual  geological,  geochemical, and numerical models for magmatically-heated and “deep circulation” systems
- Discovered and mapped a huge region of pervasive, mineralized but interconnected and permeable natural hydraulic fractures in the proposed 185 MWe “Unit 6” development area at the Salton Sea field.
- Discovered that much of the shallow “quartzite” at the Dixie Valley field is actually silicified, gold-bearing alluvium
**Benefits and Use**
- Industry partners
- 26 Publications

## Improving Exploration Models of Andesite-Hosted Geothermal SystemsJoe MoreUniversity of Utah - EGI

**Achievements**
- Showed how and why volcanic-hosted vapor-dominated systems form
- Characterized permeability evolution and controls on permeability in a volcanic-hosted system
**Benefits and Use**
- 3 industry partners
- 20 Publications

## Improved Technologies for Geothermal Resource Evaluation Greg NashUniversity of Utah - EGI

**Achievements**
- Dixie Valley, NV:  Hyperspectral mineralogy/soil mineral anomaly study completed
- Cove Fort-Sulphurdale, UT:  Vegetal-spectral anomaly/structure correlation study completed
- Dixie Valley, NV:  Thermal infrared study completed
- The Geysers, CA:  Three high-precision gravity and GPS field campaigns completed
- Great Basin:  Code developed to facilitate semi-automated extensional-tectonic geomorphometric calculations
- Web-based GIS setup for technology transfer and data distribution
**Benefits and Use**
- 12 Publications

- Enhanced TIR image - thermal anomalies appear as light areas. TIR data is useful in exploration, hydrologic studies, and field monitoring.

## EM Geophysics P. WannamakerUniversity of Utah - EGI

***EM Geophysics ******P. Wannamaker******University of Utah - EGI***

**Achievements**
- Development, testing and use of MT and DC inverse algorithms
- Monitoring of production-induced changes; 3-D algorithm development with industry
- Implementation of 2-D and    3-D codes on clusters
- New-generation MT field system
**Benefits and Use**
- 14 Publications

**Thermal Stability of Naphthalene Sulfonate Tracers**

## Tracing Geothermal FluidsMike AdamsUniversity of Utah - EGI

**Achievements**
- Developed HFC vapor-phase tracers
**Benefits and Use**
- Publications and one special volume of Geothermics resulting from this task
- Throughout The Geysers

## THE DEVELOPMENT OF TOOLS FOR MANAGING INJECTION IN GEOTHERMAL RESERVOIRS Pete RoseUniversity of Utah - EGI

**Achievements**
- Developed 8 very detectable naphthalene sulfonate tracers for tracing flow in liquid dominated reservoirs to temperatures > 340oC.
**Benefits and Use**
- 16 Publications

**Thermal Stability of Naphthalene Sulfonate Tracers**

## Geothermal Technologies Program

- Jay Nathwani
- U.S. Department of Energy
- Idaho Operations Office
- March 20, 2003

- Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS)

## Enhanced Geothermal Systems

- Engineered Geothermal Reservoir
- Improves circulation and productivity
- Improves permeability
- Extends reservoir life

## EGS Portfolio

- Existing geothermal plant with additional generating capability
- Separate generating facility adjacent to a known Geothermal Resource Area
- Stand alone in an area with no existing geothermal development

## EGS Status

- Solicitation I (April 2002)
- Coso/EGI project downselected from 13 proposals
- China Lake Naval Air Weapon Station, CA
- Additional 20 MW(e) production
- $12M project with $4.5M DOE share (38-62)
- Solicitation II (July 2002)
- Calpine
- Glass Mountain, CA
- New 49 MW(e) plant
- $425K for Phase II (60-40)
- ORMAT
- Desert Peak East, NV
- New 3-5 MW(e) plant
- $464K for Phase I (80-20)
- Solicitation III (FY2005)

## EGS I – Solicitation 2000

- Coso/EGI project downselected from 13 proposals
- China Lake Naval Air Weapon Station, CA
- Additional 20 MW(e) production
- $12M project with $4.5M DOE share

## EGS II – Solicitation 2002

- Calpine
- Site selection not made
- New 49 MW(e) plant
- $425K for Phase II
- ORMAT
- Desert Peak East, NV
- New 3-5 MW(e) plant
- $360K for Phase I

## Other EGS related Projects

- Injection Projects
- Geyser Basin Recharge Project
- Santa Rosa Pipe Line

## The Coso EGS Study Area

## The Coso EGS Concept

- Description:
- Create and test an EGS through thermal and hydraulic stimulation.  Understand the creative process of thermal and hydraulic stimulation. 	Ultimately enhance the current geothermal power production by 20MWe.
- Partners:
- Coso Operating Company (COC)
- United States Geological Survey (USGS)
- Geomechanics International (GMI)
- Kansas State University (KSU)
- Halliburton Energy Systems
- TerraTek
- Quantec
- Q-con

## The Coso Status

-  Completed a preliminary analysis of the stress state of the EGS study area (This is needed in order to develop a predictive model about the likelihood of success of a stimulation experiment.)
- Completed an injection study including a microseismics analysis of a candidate EGS injection well (This is a first step in an EGS task to determine the relative importance of thermal and chemical effects on injectivity.)
- Completed a detailed petrographic, petrologic and fluid-inclusion analysis of drill cuttings from several Coso/EGS study wells (This is important for recognizing the geologic conditions that will result in a successful stimulation experiment.)

## ORMAT Concept

- Description:
- Define important technical and economical parameters crucial to cost-effective commercial development of EGS Geothermal Power Plant.
- Create and test an EGS reservoir at Desert Peak East that is capable of sustaining the operation of a power plant power, delivering up to 10 MWe to a utility or other power consumer.
- Partners:  GeothermEx

## ORMAT Status

- Petrologic work has confirmed the correlation between the cuttings and core from two wells within the EGS area separated by approximately a mile.
- Thin section and XRD work has defined multiple intervals of granitic intrusion in the area and is developing an geologic history for the area.
- This information will be used in refining the target fracture simulation zones in Phase II of the project.

## Calpine Concept

- Description:  Apply known and new well permeability enhancement techniques to reduce the number of wells needed and demonstrate the applicability of the techniques to other undeveloped or under-developed fields.
- Develop a reservoir that is capable of producing up to 49MW EGS geothermal electrical power.
- Partners:  Calpine and Halliburton

## Calpine Status

- Identified production wells at the Geysers and Glass Mountain that may be suitable for stimulation by acidizing and/or high-rate injection.
- Updating Glass Mountain exploration and development permits to include acidizing operations.

## Geysers Production and Injection History Calpine Unit Areas Total

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## Lake County Basin Geothermal Project

- Description:  Expansion of an existing pipeline to provide additional treated municipal wastewater to The Geysers
- DOE 2002 Funds:  $1,873,000  (earmark of $2 million with Congressionally-approved reductions)
- Partners:  Calpine, NCPA, Lake County

## Santa Rosa Geysers Project

- Description:  Construction of a 40-mile pipeline to provide treated municipal wastewater to northern part of The Geysers
- DOE 2002 Funds: $1,873,000
- Partners:  City of Santa Rosa and Calpine

## Slide 37