Economic and fault stability analysis of geothermal field development in direct-use hydrothermal reservoirs

Abstract The installed capacity of geothermal systems for direct use heat is increasing worldwide. As their number and density increasing, the interaction with subsurface faults becomes more important as they could lead to safety risks from induced seismicity. Assessment management such essential further development extension energy heating. At same time, economic output can be marginal hence often supported by subsidy schemes. A combined assessment fault stability help operators balance aspects, but this currently not common practice. In study we present a methodology assess field plans based on Net Present Value (NPV) using reservoir simulations fluvial, heterogeneous sandstone representative majority direct-use Dutch systems. We find that highest friction coefficient leading exceedance Mohr–Coulomb failure criteria in 0.17; values encountered clay-rich gouges. Similar or lower permeability compared results no changes an increase respectively both NPV larger Fault-to-Well Distance (FWD). Fault higher than minor smaller FWD. Our demonstrate analysis thermal, hydraulic, mechanical supports responsible viable resources at large scale. importance high spatial supporting stress data will better understanding quantification effects operations.