A Numerical Investigation of the Potential of an Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) for Power Generation at Mount Meager, BC, Canada

Yutong Chai, Zhuoheng Chen, Wanju Yuan and Shunde Yin ()
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Yutong Chai: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
Zhuoheng Chen: Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Calgary, AB T2L 2A7, Canada
Wanju Yuan: Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Calgary, AB T2L 2A7, Canada
Shunde Yin: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada

Clean Technol., 2025, vol. 7, issue 1, 1-23

Abstract: This study aims to better harness the geothermal potential of Mount Meager in British Columbia, a premier reserve of geothermal resources in Canada. Numerical investigations explore the feasibility and optimization of an Enhanced Geothermal System to boost geothermal energy extraction capabilities. Utilizing COMSOL Multiphysics, the model simulates non-isothermal fluid flow and heat transfer through complex subsurface geology with discrete fracture planes. The sensitivity analyses assess the impact of various operational parameters, including injection strategies, reservoir characteristics, and wellbore configurations on heat extraction efficiency. These analyses indicate that a higher injection rate, lower injection temperatures, and optimized fracture areas significantly enhance system performance by maximizing thermal energy capture and minimizing thermal breakthrough. Additionally, specific wellbore configurations, particularly the triplet setup with deeper depth, significantly improve geothermal fluid circulation and heat extraction compared to doublet configurations at shallower depths. This study reveals that the base case scenario of the EGS could generate approximately 8.311 × 10 9 kWh over 30 years, while optimization strategies could elevate potential production to up to 16.68 × 10 9 kWh. These findings underscore the critical role of carefully designed operational strategies that leverage local geological and thermal characteristics to optimize geothermal systems, thereby enhancing efficiency and promoting sustainable energy development at Mount Meager.

Keywords: geothermal energy; enhanced geothermal system (EGS); heat extraction performance (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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