Implications of Spatial Variability in Heat Flow for Geothermal Resource Evaluation in Large Foreland Basins: The Case of the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin

Simon Weides and Jacek Majorowicz
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Simon Weides: Helmholtz Centre Potsdam GFZ—German Research Centre for Geosciences, Telegrafenberg, 14473 Potsdam, Germany
Jacek Majorowicz: Department of Physics, University of Alberta, 11322-89 Ave., Edmonton, AB T6G 2G7, Canada

Energies, 2014, vol. 7, issue 4, 1-22

Abstract: Heat flow and geothermal gradient of the sedimentary succession of the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin (WCSB) are mapped based on a large thermal database. Heat flow in the deep part of the basin varies from 30 mW/m 2 in the south to high 100 mW/m 2 in the north. As permeable strata are required for a successful geothermal application, the most important aquifers are discussed and evaluated. Regional temperature distribution within different aquifers is mapped for the first time, enabling a delineation of the most promising areas based on thermal field and aquifer properties. Results of previous regional studies on the geothermal potential of the WCSB are newly evaluated and discussed. In parts of the WCSB temperatures as high as 100–210 °C exist at depths of 3–5 km. Fluids from deep aquifers in these “hot” regions of the WCSB could be used in geothermal power plants to produce electricity. The geothermal resources of the shallower parts of the WCSB (>2 km) could be used for warm water provision (>50 °C) or district heating (>70 °C) in urban areas.

Keywords: geothermal energy; Canadian geothermal energy; Western Canada Sedimentary Basin (WCSB); heat flow; Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS); thermal conductivity; geostatistics; exploration; energy; heat; renewable (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: 2014
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (8)

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