Rock damage mechanisms of hydrocarbon formations re-purposed for geothermal utilization

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Canada is one of the largest natural gas producers in the world. Global warming and climate change require the natural gas sector and society to shift from fossil fuels to clean and renewable energy. One viable option is to re-purpose oil and gas wells to produce sustainable geothermal energy. However, high fluid flow rate, varying fluid pH and salinity, and high closure stress present complex chemical and mechanical deteriorating effects on formation rocks, which hinder the long-term conductivity of reservoirs vital to geothermal utilization. The proposed research project will enable collaboration with a world-renowned expert on a globally important subject that can benefit Canada. The specific objectives of the project are to (1) examine the geochemical effect imposed by geothermal fluids with various pH and salinity on rock formations encountered in gas reservoirs near Clarke Lake in northeastern BC, and (2) investigate the changes in the strength and permeability of formation rock due to mineral and pore structure alteration.The research outcomes will improve our understanding of the deterioration mechanisms of hydrocarbon rock formations in geothermal utilization and provide technical recommendations on fluid pH and salinity to mitigate the formation damage during geothermal operation. This provides a step-change opportunity for over 20,000 wells drilled in northeastern BC and millions of wells globally, ultimately enhancing Canada's role in developing sustainable geothermal energy and reducing Canada's reliance on fossil fuel.