The Role of Seismic Monitoring in Geothermal Energy Production
As we continue to grapple with the challenges associated with climate change, sustainable and renewable energy sources have never been more critical. One such source that holds immense potential is geothermal energy, particularly Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), which uses hydraulic stimulation to increase the permeability of the fracture systems in geothermal wells.
Derived from the Earth’s internal heat, geothermal energy is renewable and reliable, providing a constant power supply regardless of the weather conditions above ground. However, to harness this energy efficiently and safely, we must understand and monitor the geothermal wells that tap into this resource; this is where our team of consulting seismologists from Instrumental Software Technologies (ISTI) comes in.
Understanding Geothermal Energy and Induced Seismicity
Geothermal energy is harnessed by drilling wells into the Earth’s crust to access the heat stored in its core. In the case of EGS, a fracture network is created to enhance heat extraction. The heat is usually carried to the surface in hot water or steam, which can then be used to generate electricity or for direct-use applications like heating.
However, drilling and injecting water into these wells, categorized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as Class V injection wells, can cause small earthquakes, known as induced seismicity. While most of these seismic events are too small to be felt at the surface, some can be large enough to cause damage, notably the earthquake that occurred in Pohang, South Korea in 2017, due to induced seismicity. For this reason, induced seismicity monitoring is recommended by the U.S. Department of Energy to assess the seismic hazard at specific sites.
How ISTI Can Help
To ensure that this seismic activity remains harmless, ISTI uses hydraulic fracture monitoring systems to provide detailed information about the seismic events occurring at or around geothermal operators’ facilities.
Traffic Light System: One of the key services ISTI offers is the implementation of a traffic light system protocol (TLS) for monitoring services. This system, widely used in hydraulic fracture well completion seismic monitoring, provides a straightforward and effective way to manage the risk of induced seismicity, allowing for real-time decision-making that enhances the safety and efficiency of geothermal operations.
Turnkey Networks: In some instances, we have provided turnkey networks for monitoring operations using our hardware. These networks are designed to provide comprehensive coverage of the geothermal site, ensuring that all seismic activity is accurately detected and recorded.
Data Management: ISTI offers data management services for clients with existing seismic networks. We take over the operation of these networks, ensuring that the data is collected, stored, and processed efficiently; this allows our clients to focus on their core operations, confident that their seismic monitoring is in expert hands.
Advanced Processing Techniques: At ISTI, we leverage advanced processing techniques developed from our hydraulic fracture monitoring systems. These techniques allow us to provide detailed information about the seismic events occurring at or around geothermal operators’ facilities. This data is invaluable in understanding reservoir behavior, optimizing operations, and managing the risk of induced seismicity.
Detailed Analysis: Beyond real-time monitoring, ISTI also specializes in performing detailed analysis of existing data sets for the geothermal industry. This analysis can provide insights into long-term trends and patterns, contributing to the sustainable management of geothermal resources.
At ISTI, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities presented by geothermal energy. Our services are designed to help our clients harness this resource safely and efficiently, contributing to a more sustainable future without the risk of operational hazards. Should you have any questions about induced seismicity in geothermal well monitoring, reach out to one of our qualified seismologists to learn how we can help.