Menu

Subsurface potential for the energy transition

Highlights

Using Minergies data for geothermal exploration

BRGM has carried out a quantitative analysis of existing seismic reflection data and well data on the Dogger aquifer in the Paris Basin. The aim was to set out a methodology, with recommendations for using these data in order to constrain the petrophysical characteristics of the reservoir between the wells. The results, obtained through two different approaches, are encouraging and confirm the value of the method for taking the risk out of low-cost geothermal projects.

A better understanding of geothermal reservoirs in volcanic island contexts

Initiated by the Guadeloupe region, the Caribbean Energy Transition (CET) project was set up in 2019. It seeks to foster active cooperation on energy management and geothermal development in this region. BRGM is contributing to the creation of a Caribbean geothermal centre of excellence by developing exploration methods adapted to local characteristics in order to identify, characterise and model geothermal reservoirs.

Discretization of the electrical resistivity (ohm.m) of the study area in Bouillante, Guadeloupe, using the finite difference method to model the CSEM and MT electromagnetic data acquired on site. Our model takes account of variations in topography and the presence of the sea, since these have a significant impact on the behaviour of EM waves in the environment. © BRGM

Discretization of the electrical resistivity (ohm.m) of the study area in Bouillante, Guadeloupe, using the finite difference method to model the CSEM and MT electromagnetic data acquired on site. Our model takes account of variations in topography and the presence of the sea, since these have a significant impact on the behaviour of EM waves in the environment. © BRGM

Good practices in the environmental monitoring of subsurface exploitation

 Completed in 2021, the H2020 Secure project made a number of recommendations on good risk management for CO2 storage and unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs. BRGM's contribution concerned the environmental baseline of a site, which is essential for any monitoring strategy. Combining methodological and metrological developments with advanced statistical processing, its work has made it possible to define robust and dynamic criteria for discriminating between expected variations in the physicochemical parameters and any potential irregularities.

Measuring gas flux in the ground in the vicinity of the Burning Fountain of Gua (south-eastern France), a natural source of methane and CO2 known since ancient times and used in the SECURe project as a natural analogue to develop monitoring measurements. © BRGM - W. KloppmannMeasuring gas flux in the ground in the vicinity of the Burning Fountain of Gua (south-eastern France), a natural source of methane and CO2 known since ancient times and used in the SECURe project as a natural analogue to develop monitoring measurements. © BRGM - W. KloppmannMeasuring gas flux in the ground in the vicinity of the Burning Fountain of Gua (south-eastern France), a natural source of methane and CO2 known since ancient times and used in the SECURe project as a natural analogue to develop monitoring measurements. © BRGM - W. KloppmannMeasuring gas flux in the ground in the vicinity of the Burning Fountain of Gua (south-eastern France), a natural source of methane and CO2 known since ancient times and used in the SECURe project as a natural analogue to develop monitoring measurements. © BRGM - W. Kloppmann

 

New: a dynamic observatory for near-surface geothermal energy

Accessible since late 2021 on the website www.geothermies.fr, the near-surface geothermal observatory gives access to the main characteristics of facilities and the technical data of their constituent structures. Backed by the subsurface database (BSS), the inventory receives continuous input from remote declarations for minimum-impact geothermal projects. For older data, the inventory is completed with the help of the French Geothermal Energy Association (AFPG) and industry stakeholders.

A film to raise awareness of the advantages of deep geothermal energy

In 2021, ADEME and BRGM produced a video for local authorities and the general public highlighting the advantages of deep geothermal energy. Available on the website www.geothermies.fr and the BRGM YouTube channel, this 3-minute film combines animated graphics with real imagery.  It sets the scene for an inter-generational dialogue on sustainable energy, a field in which the first installations date back to the 1970s. This underlines the maturity of these promising solutions.

What are the prospects for coupling CO2 storage and geothermal energy in the Centre-Val de Loire region?

Developed by BRGM, the CO2-Dissolved concept involves storing industrial CO2 in dissolved form in the water of an underground reservoir and giving the project economic value by recovering geothermal heat. Funded by the Centre-Val de Loire region, the GeoCO2 project involved assessing the potential of this solution in the region. Results concluded that it would be feasible to build an industrial demonstrator for CO2-Dissolved within three to five years. In this way, the region will be able to inform and engage with industrial players, particularly small-scale emitters of CO2 emitters, on the basis of these results.

Map taken from the Geographic Information System developed as part of the GeoCO2 project, showing the temperatures of the geothermal resource in the Dogger aquifer and the location of industrial emitters in the Centre-Val de Loire region. The numbers next to the pink circles indicate the annual amount of CO2 emitted (in thousands of tonnes per year). © BRGMMap taken from the Geographic Information System developed as part of the GeoCO2 project, showing the temperatures of the geothermal resource in the Dogger aquifer and the location of industrial emitters in the Centre-Val de Loire region. The numbers next to the pink circles indicate the annual amount of CO2 emitted (in thousands of tonnes per year). © BRGMMap taken from the Geographic Information System developed as part of the GeoCO2 project, showing the temperatures of the geothermal resource in the Dogger aquifer and the location of industrial emitters in the Centre-Val de Loire region. The numbers next to the pink circles indicate the annual amount of CO2 emitted (in thousands of tonnes per year). © BRGM

BioREP: an experimental platform with growing appeal

BioREP (bioreactors for deep environments) is an experimental platform for studying deep environments and characterising the natural biogeochemical processes and/or industrial processes that take place there. It is recognised internationally. Since its founding in 2008, BioREP has gained three new devices along with a number of modules. It is involved in a growing number of projects, relating not only to energy, but also to water resources and natural risks. In 2021, it began collaborating with Ifremeer on the biogeochemical monitoring of magmatic fluid samples off the coast of Mayotte.

TransREP device of the BRGM BioREP platform for the study of deep environments. © BRGM

TransREP device of the BRGM BioREP platform for the study of deep environments. © BRGM