Seismicity potential of geothermal operations in the North Sea Supergroup in the Roer Valley Graben
On behalf of EBN, TNO Geological Survey of the Netherlands (TNO-GDN) conducted exploratory research into the properties of the relatively shallow rock layers of the North Sea Groups in the Roer Valley Graben (Roerdalslenk) and the effects of geothermal heat production on potential reactivation of faults. The aim of the research is to provide an initial assessment of the extent to which these shallow, highly porous rock layers behave differently compared to deeper, more compact rocks. Additionally, the research examined whether the likelihood of vibrations that may occur, due to reactivation of an existing fault in these shallow rock layers, differs from deeper rock layers.
The report (English only) describes the execution of the assignment and the exploratory research, which included:
- A literature review and analysis of the KNMI seismicity catalog to assess evidence of natural seismicity in the North Sea Groups.
- An inventory of reservoir, rock, and fault properties, in-situ stresses, and pressures to generate input for geomechanical modeling and identify data gaps.
- A model study of fault reactivation using the SRIMA tool, assuming linear elasticity.
- Exploratory models including elasto-plastic reservoir behavior using a Finite Element model.
Extended summary in Dutch
In Dutch, there is an extended summary available: Samenvatting Ondiepe geothermie in de Roerdalslenk