TLS Tech Talks Podcast Ep. 2.3
TLS GEOTHERMICS
Uncovering Hidden Geothermal Hydrothermal Systems, Generating Clean Energy for People and the Planet.
“Are we taking more than the system can provide?”
Episode 2.3 explores:
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Below you will find the abbreviated transcript from Episode 2.3:
Rusty Muscarella: Hello listeners, thanks for joining us for Tech Talks episode 2.3 with our lead exploration geologist Bastien Hermant.Today we will discuss quantifying the potential of these hidden systems, Active monitoring during production for resource stewardship & resurfacing scalable hydrothermal as a leading force in the geothermal industry.? Bastien, Can you give us insights into how you calculate or understand the durability of our? ? hydrothermal systems?
Bastien Hermant: Yeah, there are several parameters to consider. First, we need to assess the volume of circulation we're targeting, which involves understanding the cold water flow into the system. Next, we need to evaluate the amount of heat in the system since we're extracting heat, not water, by pumping and reinjecting water into the ground. The main parameter is the heat, so we must model the heat entering and leaving the system.?
We do this through dynamic modeling, building geological models to simulate fluid circulation within the geothermal reservoir and fault zones. We can then experiment with different numbers of wells to see how they impact the resource in terms of temperature and fluid flow. The initial drilling and hydraulic tests from one or two wells, especially if we can connect them, will provide valuable data on the system's dynamics.?
Conceptually, if the heat entering the system balances the heat we're extracting, we can produce heat for a long time. However, geological systems can't regenerate heat as quickly as we can extract it. The question is how long it will take before we see a decline in heat production. If the heat flow into the system is high, it could take hundreds of years to notice a decline. Conversely, if the system is small and we're pumping too much, production and heat levels could decline rapidly.
Rusty Muscarella: I've heard of this occurring in other locations where durability was miscalculated. How do we monitor the flows and temperatures to track the impact on the heat source?
Bastien Hermant: Yes, monitoring fluid flow and temperature in each well is crucial. We also conduct tests between wells to determine how long it takes for water to travel from one well to another, which gives us information about the permeability and connection between wells. The model and production history will help us better assess the resource's durability once we start producing.?
Rusty Muscarella: Yeah, I think like you said, there's the science and the process at each stage of development to bring in the analysis and the proper tools to navigate efficiently and effectively the production of clean energy. In closing, can you share a bit about how you see the industry evolving and the scalability or real opportunities we are looking at with the success of our approach?
Bastien Hermant: I think we are at a key moment in geothermal exploration and for the geothermal community. People are increasingly aware that we need to produce more clean energy, and I'm sure that more and more people will become interested in geothermal energy because it has many advantages. Especially in the US, there is a lot of geothermal potential. So, I think the timing is great.
There are also efforts to develop other kinds of geothermal systems, like Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) and Advanced Geothermal Systems (AGS). I'm looking forward to seeing what they will be able to produce, and it's very interesting. However, I believe hydrothermal must remain the most interesting kind of geothermal energy because we know how to do it. When we discover something, we know how to produce clean energy from a viable geothermal system.
The key is our ability to discover the next blind geothermal system, and that's where TLS excels. Our goal is to discover these systems through our conceptual approach and the technological tools we've developed to support this approach. I think this conceptual approach is highly scalable because once you understand the favorable parameters, you just need to find where these specific parameters exist elsewhere without relying on hot springs or other surface manifestations.
So, I think the timing is great for geothermal energy, and it's also great for TLS to discover a lot of geothermal potential.
Rusty Muscarella: Beautiful. Yeah, I think we can continue digging into the approach that will allow us to identify these hidden sources. We also have a lot of technical processes to address, especially with our current projects in Nevada, with a major step being drilling. We'll get to follow along as the process unfolds over the coming years and continue these conversations. If you have something else to share, we can continue, or we can say our goodbyes and share this conversation with the community interested in these clean energy opportunities and looking for solutions to some of our challenges.
Bastien Hermant: Just one thing I can share is that we are always open to sharing our knowledge and building strong collaborative relationships because the geothermal community is very small. We really need to help each other and bring geothermal energy to the place it belongs within the renewable energy landscape. For that, we need to build technological and financial partnerships to help each other develop projects. I believe there is enough space for everyone to develop their projects, including TLS and other companies. It's important to keep in mind that we need to produce more clean energy to replace oil, gas, and coal plants. For that, we need to work together.
Sure, I think it's part of my conviction to protect nature. I believe I am working towards that by having an impact on a global scale through producing clean energy at a more local scale. In France, particularly in the Pyrenees mountains close to Toulouse, it's important to me. Sharing the real happiness of being in nature and witnessing its beauty is very important. It's crucial to share this and teach people the importance of preserving nature.
Russ Muscarella: Thank you listeners for tuning in, subscribing and commenting on our tech talks. Keep the questions coming and we will continue to share secrets from inside TLS.??