CO2 –water mixture reinjection into two-phase liquid dominated geothermal reservoirs

Abstract

Abstract Geothermal energy resources are considered to be one of the main contributors to clean, renewable and low-risk energy production. However geothermal power production may result in some greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Injection of GHGs into geothermal reservoirs can be used to reduce these emissions, providing reservoir pressure support and possibly improve reservoir permeability. To understand the migration and behavior of injected gases in the reservoir and to forecast gas breakthrough, simulation studies are required. This work investigates the possible impacts of infield reinjection of CO2 in two-phase liquid-dominated geothermal reservoirs using an earlier 3D numerical model of the Wairakei-Tauhara system as a representative case study. Wairakei-Tauhara is an interesting case study as it has been operated with no reinjection for most of its lifetime. The work investigated the impact of various scenarios of separated geothermal water and CO2 reinjection on reservoir sustainability. The breakthrough of CO2 was also monitored since it can result in higher gas production and lower power generation. The modelling results showed that the injection of CO2-water mixture helps to maintain the reservoir's pressure, but, at the same time, it may suppress natural recharge and boiling, which results in reduction of the enthalpy of the produced fluid.