Introducing GeoHEAT: Georadar-aided High-resolution Exploration for Advancing geoThermal energy usage

Abstract

We present a novel geothermal exploration approach that integrates innovations at three spatial scale. At the regional scale (~100 km) we create LCOE heat maps using a techno-economic and metamodel analysis. This allows us to choose several potential sites to perform a reservoir scale (~10 km) assessment with passive seismics and gravity. By integrating the latter with probabilistic geological and geomechanical modeling we propose locations to drill exploration boreholes. Then follows a high-resolution borehole characterization incorporating various analyses, the central one being a georadar probe that allows to illuminate permeable structures. Within this project, we also design and build a geothermal grade georadar. Here, we present the approach and result from the application of our methodology to the Swiss canton of Thurgau, with the purpose of large-scale geothermal exploration.