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Geothermal Frontier – Beta

This is an integrated knowledge and data sharing platform that aggregates global datasets on institutional research capacity and country-level geothermal profiles. It is designed to support cross-sector collaboration and the advancement of next-generation geothermal technologies. The platform facilitates access to structured data, technical insights, and networked expertise to accelerate the development of higher-enthalpy resources and drive cost-competitive deployment at scale.

University of Alberta

GeoREF (Geomechanical Reservoir Experimental Facility)

Institution Type: Academia

Institution Website

Edmonton, Canada

Contact

Richard Chalaturnyk
Professor
rc11@ualberta.ca

Areas of Expertise

  • Resource Characterization & Modeling
  • Drilling & Well Design
  • Monitoring & Instrumentation
  • Reservoir Creation & Management

Resource Characterization & Modeling

This area focuses on identifying, assessing, and modeling geothermal resources to understand their size, temperature, and viability. It supports better decision-making by improving predictions of subsurface conditions and resource potential.

  • Exploration, Appraisal, Site Selection Active
  • Geological Modeling Active
  • Geophysical Modeling Planned
  • Reservoir Modeling Active
  • Coupled Process Modeling Active
  • Crustal Stress, Geomechanics/Rock Mechanics Active
  • Water/Rock Geochemistry Active
  • Seismic Risk & Mitigation Active
  • Water Resource Management Planned
  • High-Performance Computing (HPC) for Coupled or Multiphysics Simulations Active
  • Environmental Risk Assessment Active
Seismic frequency rock dynamic properties at temperature
Max Temperature (°C) 250
Max Pressure (MPa) 70
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously Yes
Thermal Conductivity/Diffusivity at elevated pressure and temperature
Max Temperature (°C) 150
Max Pressure (MPa) 70
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously Yes
Sequentially coupled reservoir geomechanical simulation platform including virtual rock mass modelling approach to fractured rock mass systems
Temperature Note Maximum temperature depends on the model
Pressure Note Maximum pressure depends on the model
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously No

Drilling & Well Design

This area covers technologies and expertise needed to safely and efficiently access geothermal resources at depth. It includes innovations in drilling methods, materials, and well design and construction to reduce costs and effectively reach higher-enthalpy systems in more geologic regions.

  • Conventional Rotary Drilling Active
  • Well Completion (Cements, Liners, Flow Control) Active
  • Casing Materials (Thermal Stresses, Corrosion, Abrasion) Active
  • Advanced Materials for Drilling & Well Integrity Planned
Sequentially coupled reservoir geomechanical modeling platform that includes shared boundary modelling approach for well integrity
Temperature Note Maximum temperature depends on the model
Pressure Note Maximum pressure depends on the model
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously Yes

Monitoring & Instrumentation

This area enables real-time measurement and analysis of geothermal systems through advanced sensors and data tools. It supports performance optimization, risk reduction, and improved understanding of subsurface behavior over time.

  • Downhole Sensors Active
  • Fiber Optic Sensing Systems (DTS, DAS, DSS) Active
  • Acoustic Emission Monitoring Active
  • Permanent Surface Passive Seismic Array Active
Fiber optic based systems
Max Temperature (°C) 250
Max Pressure (MPa) 100
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously Yes

Reservoir Creation & Management

This area focuses on developing and sustaining productive geothermal systems, including enhanced and closed-loop systems. It involves techniques to develop the geothermal reservoir, manage the system, and optimize fluid flow and heat extraction over the project’s life.

  • Closed-Loop Systems Planned
  • EGS (Hydraulic Stimulation, Zonal Isolation, High-Temp Proppants) Planned
  • Thermal Stimulation or Heat Management Planned
Petrophysical and geomechanical experimental environments for ultra low permeability crystalline rock mass
Max Temperature (°C) 250
Max Pressure (MPa) 70
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously Yes

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