Geothermal Reservoir Characterization at Wattenberg Area in Denver Basin

Research output: NRELPoster

Abstract

The geothermal potential of the Denver-Julesburg (D-J) Basin is largely overlooked. This study focuses on characterizing the geothermal potential in the greater Wattenberg area within the Denver Basin, using available well data and subsurface information and gas wells drilled to above 2500 m deep. The review reveals that the main structures comprise ENE-trending wrench faults, along with NNE, N, and NNW trending normal faults. A thermal anomaly is present bonded by Lafayette and Longmont wrench faults and overlying vitrinite reflectance anomaly. The geometry of thermal anomaly suggests that it is influenced by Longmont wrench fault and Lafayette fault, as well as the basin margin fault. Bottom hole temperatures are of 160 Degrees Celsius, with thermal gradients of and 62 Degrees Celsius/km. Reservoir temperature estimates from thermal gradients suggest a range of >200 Degrees Celsius at depths of 3 km.
Original languageAmerican English
PublisherNational Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
StatePublished - 2024

Publication series

NamePresented at the 2024 Geothermal Rising Conference, 27-30 October 2024, Waikoloa, Hawaii

NREL Publication Number

  • NREL/PO-5700-90541

Keywords

  • Denver basin
  • geothermal characterization
  • glade
  • potential
  • temperatures

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