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De-Risking Exploration for Geothermal Plays in Magmatic Environments Through Open-Source Tools: An Open-Source Python Framework for 2D and 3D Play Fairway Analysis

  • Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
  • Reykjavik Energy

Research output: NLRPresentation

Abstract

The De-Risking Exploration for Geothermal Plays in Magmatic Environments (DEEPEN) project seeks to accelerate superhot geothermal development by reducing exploration risk through advanced open-source modeling tools. This work presents a novel Python-based framework, geoPFA, for conducting 2D and 3D play fairway analysis (PFA) tailored to superhot geothermal systems. Building on previous methodologies, the framework integrates thermo-hydro-mechanical-chemical simulation outputs from TReactMech, resulting in improved representation of subsurface properties that are critical to superhot resource producibility. The workflow has been applied to the Nesjavellir field in Iceland, a candidate site for the third Iceland Deep Drilling Project's superhot production scenarios. This application demonstrates the value of modular, transparent, and extensible workflows for integrating geological, geophysical, and simulation-derived datasets in high-enthalpy environments. Preliminary results indicate favorable zones consistent with known hydrothermal activity and suggest possible upflow from the Hengill volcanic system. The geoPFA library is publicly available, offering a scalable and reproducible approach to geothermal exploration across varied geological contexts.
Original languageAmerican English
Number of pages15
DOIs
StatePublished - 2025

Publication series

NamePresented at the 2025 Geothermal Rising Conference, 26-29 October 2025, Reno, Nevada

NLR Publication Number

  • NLR/PR-6A20-97853

Keywords

  • characterization
  • exploration
  • geothermal
  • open source
  • play fairway analysis
  • subsurface
  • subsurface characterization
  • supercritical
  • superhot
  • superhot EGS

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