Exploratory Services
Techniques for identifying traditional geothermal resources used for electricity generation include geologic, geochemical, and geophysical studies to determine the geothermal system’s size, depth, temperature, and fluid characteristics. After the studies have been completed, drilling should proceed and a clear conceptual model should be used to select drilling targets that will further the understanding of the commercial resource. This strategy will lead to the most productive use of drilling dollars. RESPEC assists by creating an exploration plan with clear milestones and decision points. We integrate available data so that data gaps and development risks can be assessed through 3D geologic modeling when developing the conceptual model.
Project Spotlight
Toronto, ON, Canada
As Toronto looks to its waterfront to develop vibrant new neighborhoods, RESPEC is looking underground to explore geothermal's potential in an urban setting.
Ngatamariki, New Zealand
RESPEC engineers led exploration and drill design, ultimately proving the economic viability of what is currently the largest binary power plant in the world.
Fiale, Djibouti
RESPEC engineers provided project management and assessed the commercial viability of power production in East Africa.
Estevan, SK, Canada
In the Williston Basin, RESPEC is helping Deep Earth Energy Production Corp. tap the sedimentary heat from basal aquifers 3,500 meters below the surface.
Surface Exploration
Reconnaissance performed by RESPEC typically consists of visiting active geothermal manifestations to characterize temperature, electric conductivity, pH, flow, geochemistry, presence of gas bubbles/composition, odors, precipitates in fluid. GPS and drone surveys support detailed mapping of the study area. Geologic data includes maps of the study area, cross sections, regional and local structures, fault kinematics, and alteration mineralogy. Geophysical surveys and interpretation include magnetics, gravity, magnetotellurics, and passive microseismic monitoring. In sedimentary basins, oil and gas well data are used to characterize the target reservoirs and temperatures—all available data are integrated into a conceptual model of the geothermal system for further analysis.
Drilling Exploration
Drilling the first wells in any project represents the period of greatest risk. RESPEC prefers to drill two to three slim-hole deep wells to determine the commercial feasibility of the resource. Drilling wells, logging, and flow testing significantly improve the understanding of the available resource, allowing for energy reserve estimation, production thickness and petrophysical characteristics identification, and geothermal system and power evaluation.