Investigating Geothermal Reservoir Potential Using Numerical Simulation

Abstract

Egypt depends on oil and gas for electricity generation by high percentage (about 90%). The remaining small percent comes from hydro power of High Dam (about 9%), wind (about 1.3%) and solar cells (0.0002%). So, there is a great need to adjust this unbalanced energy mix in Egypt.  Continuous scientific researchers are the best way to try to solve this problem by studying the feasibility of using the available renewable energy sources. It is mandatory to search for this energy to reduce the dependence on hydrocarbon fuel and to adjust Egypt’s energy mix. Among these energies is the geothermal potential energy. However, it is not being exploited as a renewable source of power generation in Egypt yet. This study aims to determine the locations of reservoirs of high temperature gradient which are suitable for implementing the geothermal energy project from pervious literature survey and from deep drilling wells that located in the different regions and to study the techno and economical possibility of establishing subsurface plant that can feed the designed electricity generation geothermal plant as a primary potential pilot project in Egypt. This work results indicate that the best regions of high temperature gradient are located at some scattered points at Western Desert and around the Gulf of Suez especially at Hammam Faraun and Ras Budran fields. These two locations have recorded reservoir temperatures of 100°C and 146°C at depth 1150m and 3800m, respectively. Simulation studies show that these formations can feed power plant by 21,000 bbl/day at well head temperature between 94°C and 105°C from two production and one injection wells to generate annual amount of electricity equal to 4,977 MWh through binary cycle power plant. This pilot project can be later expanded into more plants to help increase national income, save hard currency and solve the problem of biased energy mix in Egypt.