Geothermal reservoir characterization of deep limestones in the Rhine-Ruhr region

 

In the project "Geothermal reservoir characterization of deep limestones in the Rhine-Ruhr region" we will conduct novel approaches towards the quantitative assessment of geological, geophysical and geomechanical distribution and properties for an integrated 3-D geometric and geothermal reservoir model.

Our main focus is on the evaluation of typical fracture networks in limestones as targeted geothermal reservoir rocks in the Rhine Ruhr Region. Specifically, we attempt meter to centimetre-scale mapping of fracture networks and degree of diagenesis in selected limestone outcrops using drone and Lidar imagery, and to test the obtained reservoir characteristics in existing underground infrastructures of the Fraunhofer TRUDI laboratory and the new Weisweiler geothermal test site. A close cooperation with the newly founded Fraunhofer Institution for Energy Infrastructures and Geothermal Energy (IEG) and RWE Power AG will be an integral part of the project.