The "Hexagon concept": A fundamental approach for the Geoscientific Spatial Data Compilation and Analysis at European Scale

Bianca Wagner, Stefanie Günther, Katherine Ford, Graciela M. Sosa, Bernd Leiss
2021 Zenodo  
Growing interest in the deep geothermal potential of regions outside the classical target zones in Europe comes along with an increased demand for geoscientific spatial data (geodata) on various scales and resolutions to estimate the theoretical and technical geothermal potential of feasible sites. A large number of this data is already provided by European National Research Institutions and Geological Surveys as well as by other European institutions and associations. Furthermore, a rising
more » ... nt of data and expert knowledge concerning relevant parameters at local scale is been constantly collected within ongoing EGS (Enhanced Geothermal Systems) projects, which have begun on several geotectonic zones. Nevertheless, most potential maps, platforms, web services, geothermal viewers and parameter databases are mainly adjusted to the needs of high to medium enthalpy targets in volcanic and sedimentary rocks. Yet, investigations which focus on the research and development of medium to low enthalpy unconventional, enhanced geothermal reservoirs are in the need of data about quite different rock types and deeper horizons. Beside the high relevance of existing and planned surface infrastructure, the geothermal potential is mainly determined by subsurface parameters such as rock properties, tectonic and structural features, heat flow and deep groundwater or brines. A main objective of the European project MEET (Multidisciplinary and multi-context demonstration of EGS exploration and exploitation Techniques and potentials) is to promote the dissemination of small-scale EGS power and/or heat plants by mapping the most promising sites based on relevant surface and subsurface geodata. In the study presented, a review on successful, ongoing and abandoned geothermal projects as well as on different data sources, platforms and formats concerning scientific geodata on various scales is performed. Accordingly, different geotectonic zones comprising low to high-grade metamorphic and/or intrusive rocks with or without young [...]
doi:10.5281/zenodo.5770188 fatcat:afivzsyss5a4xhixt5vpv7blb4