Consulting
Project Overview
We conducted an advanced geomechanical assessment to evaluate induced seismicity risks associated with a deep geothermal reservoir undergoing stimulation and long-term circulation. The project required a robust understanding of how thermal cooling, fluid injection, regional stresses, and pre-existing fault networks interact to influence fault reactivation and seismic hazard.
Using an optimized three-dimensional Boundary Element Method (BEM), we developed a physics-based modelling framework to support risk-informed operational planning and improve confidence in reservoir development decisions.
The Challenge
Induced seismicity is one of the most significant technical and regulatory risks facing Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS). While fluid injection and reservoir stimulation are essential for improving permeability, they can also alter stress conditions sufficiently to reactivate existing faults.
Key uncertainties included:
- Which fault structures were most susceptible to reactivation?
- How would injection pressure and thermal cooling influence faultstability?
- What operational conditions could increase seismic hazard?
- How could geomechanical modelling support safer reservoirmanagement?
Outcome
- Identification of critical fault reactivation scenarios
- Quantification of thermo-mechanical controls on seismicity
- Definition of operational thresholds for risk management
- Improved confidence in stimulation and circulation planning
The Look Up Solution
We developed an integrated geomechanical modelling workflow to evaluate induced seismicity risk within adeep geothermal reservoir. The approach combined:
- Thermo-elastic stress evolution associated with reservoir cooling
- Regional tectonic and lithostatic stress conditions
- Frictional and cohesive fault behaviour
- Fault interaction and stress transfer analysis
- Seismic magnitude and slip potential assessment
- Slip envelope analysis for operational sensitivity studies
Using an optimised BEM approach , we efficiently simulated complex fault geometries while capturing the keyphysical processes controlling fault reactivation and induced seismicity.
This integrated framework provided a quantitative understanding of seismic hazard drivers and transformed complex subsurface interactions into practical operational guidance for reservoir development and long-term field management.