Monitoring fluid reservoir in an enhanced geothermal system using magnetotellurics

Abstract

Geothermal exploration plays an increasing role worldwide and in Australia in order to meet carbon emission targets and to provide green and renewable energy alternatives to coal. In Australia, EGS systems are widely used to extract geothermal energy from the subsurface. Initially, the stimulation process involves pumping large amount of fluids into the subsurface at depths of reasonable temperature to ensure a maximum energy output. The high-pressured fluids penetrate from the borehole into the surrounding sedimentary rocks and increase the permeability of the system until the stimulation is finished. Subsequently, a second borehole is put in place to extract the heated fluids.