The impact of thermal fracturing on the near-wellbore region during CO2 injection in depleted gasfields: a numerical investigation

This research describes how thermal fractures impact the near-wellbore (NWB) region of a depleted gasfield in a carbon sequestration project. As CO2 is usually injected in its supercritical phase, the injection fluid is injected on high pressures and low temperatures. This is in high contrast with the depleted gasfields, which have a low...

Earthquake Detection in Zeerijp: A Study on the Usage of Template Matching and Neural Networks for Detection of Small Earthquakes in Zeerijp

In this thesis, we discuss two pattern recognition techniques, template matching, and neural networks. We discuss how these techniques have been used for the development of two earthquake detection algorithms. The first algorithm is based on template matching and the second is based on deep learning. The algorithms are designed for the detection...

Machine Learning Techniques for Moment Tensor Estimation

As a result of the gas extraction in Groningen (the Netherlands) the amount of earthquakes have increased over the past decades. Understanding the induced seismicity in the Zeerijp area is important for the population living in this relatively densely populated region, but also essential to the Dutch governement and the operator of the field;...

The Sustainability of Geothermal Energy: Under what conditions is a geothermal system used sustainably?

Geothermal energy is generally seen as a sustainable source of energy and therefore could be part of the solution for the energy transition. However, there is still a lack of clarity about the conditions under which a geothermal system can be used sustainably. This study investigates the sustainable use of a geothermal system. The geothermal...

Geothermal Field Development Strategies Based on Economic and Fault Stability Analysis: A Case Study for the Delft Sandstone Area

The main objective of this thesis is to assess the combined influences of specified reservoir conditions and operational parameters on the profitability of a geothermal project and on the potential for fault reactivation. The aim is to propose potential development strategies to maximize the profitability and minimize the potential for slip and...

Reservoir Simulation for Play-based Development of Low Enthalpy Geothermal Resources: Application to the Delft Sandstone

As implementation of deep geothermal energy projects in the Netherlands increases, reservoir simulation for these geothermal systems stands to play a key role in understanding how these systems will behave and how large scale projects can be optimised to save cost and reduce risk. In this thesis, an extensive simulation study has been conducted...

Pressure and Temperature Interference for Geothermal Projects in Dense Production Areas: A Case Study for the Delft Area

The main objective of this study is to quantify interference effects between production and injection wells for geothermal projects that operate within the same reservoir. The secondary objective is to study the time it takes for the reservoir unit to thermally recharge after production has stopped. Two reservoir simulators are benchmarked to...

A poro-elastic model for triggering of production-induced earthquakes in the Groningen natural gas field by abrupt changes in well rates

Over the past decade, a steep increase in the number of seismic events has been observed in the Groningen gas producing region of the Northern Netherlands. It is generally accepted that these are induced by compaction of the reservoir rock due to extensive field depletion, causing a buildup of strain energy which may be released seismically when...