Applying Deep Electrical-Resistivity Tomography Techniques for the Exploration of Medium- and Low-Geothermal Energy Resources

Cristina Sáez Blázquez (), Ignacio Martín Nieto, Javier Carrasco, Pedro Carrasco, Daniel Porras, Miguel Ángel Maté-González, Arturo Farfán Martín and Diego González-Aguilera
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Cristina Sáez Blázquez: Department of Cartographic and Land Engineering, Higher Polytechnic School of Avila, University of Salamanca, Hornos Caleros 50, 05003 Avila, Spain
Ignacio Martín Nieto: Department of Cartographic and Land Engineering, Higher Polytechnic School of Avila, University of Salamanca, Hornos Caleros 50, 05003 Avila, Spain
Javier Carrasco: Department of Cartographic and Land Engineering, Higher Polytechnic School of Avila, University of Salamanca, Hornos Caleros 50, 05003 Avila, Spain
Pedro Carrasco: Department of Cartographic and Land Engineering, Higher Polytechnic School of Avila, University of Salamanca, Hornos Caleros 50, 05003 Avila, Spain
Daniel Porras: Department of Cartographic and Land Engineering, Higher Polytechnic School of Avila, University of Salamanca, Hornos Caleros 50, 05003 Avila, Spain
Miguel Ángel Maté-González: Department of Cartographic and Land Engineering, Higher Polytechnic School of Avila, University of Salamanca, Hornos Caleros 50, 05003 Avila, Spain
Arturo Farfán Martín: Department of Cartographic and Land Engineering, Higher Polytechnic School of Avila, University of Salamanca, Hornos Caleros 50, 05003 Avila, Spain
Diego González-Aguilera: Department of Cartographic and Land Engineering, Higher Polytechnic School of Avila, University of Salamanca, Hornos Caleros 50, 05003 Avila, Spain

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 8, 1-16

Abstract: The growth of the geothermal industry demands the constant search of techniques with the aim of reducing exploration efforts whilst minimizing subsurface uncertainty. The exploration of geothermal resources is fundamental from the exploitation point of view, especially in those regions where this energy is not as widespread as the rest of renewable sources. This research shows how geoelectrical methods can contribute to the investigation and characterization of medium–low enthalpy geothermal resources until about 800 m of depth. A 2000 m long electrical-resistivity tomography profile was performed in a region of Southern Spain with previous evidence of moderate geothermal potential. Results of this geophysical campaign (together with a preliminary geological characterization) allowed for the obtainment of a 2D profile and a pseudo-3D model with extensive information about the subsoil in terms of geological composition and formations. The interpretation of geophysical results denotes the existence of a potential formation constituted by carbonate materials with thickness greater than 300 m, crossing different fractures. Once the ideal location for the geothermal exploitation is defined, the research evaluates the contribution of the possible energy source, deducing that the energy extraction in the potential fracturing area would be double that of the one in the vicinity of the site.

Keywords: geothermal resources; exploration; electrical resistivity tomography; 2D profile; potential area (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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