GEOTHERMAL ASSESSMENT OF A DEPLETED NATURALLY FRACTURED RESERVOIR IN ZHARKENT BASIN: A REVIEW
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Date
2022-04-27
Authors
Kutzhanov, Rysbek
Journal Title
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Publisher
Nazarbayev University School of Mining and Geosciences
Abstract
Although contemporary study is sparse, several researches have been undertaken to
analyze the expected energy production potential of Kazakhstan's sedimentary geothermal
resources. The available evidence demonstrates the potential is scattered, fragmentary, and
not always consistent. However, detailed data on geothermal resources exist in Kazakhstan's
national archives and should be gathered and evaluated.
Kazakhstan is considered to possess significant low-temperature geothermal resources,
mostly in sedimentary basins in nature. Kazakhstan's population has a substantial demand for
acceptable heating services, and low-temperature geothermal resources are particularly well
suited for district heating and other direct consumption applications.
The basins of Ustyurt-Buzashin and Manguyshiak in SW Kazakhstan and the W-Ily
(Almaty) and E-Ily (Zharkent) basins in SE Kazakhstan are thought to have the highest
concentrated potential. Due to their relatively large surface area, the first two are also among
the basins with the most extractable energy per basin. Basins having a high extractable
energy density (per km2) are considered the most promising for geothermal potential, since
they should need less widespread drilling of production wells.
The geothermal resources in the Zharkent sub-basin in southern and southern-eastern
Kazakhstan look to be the most promising, based on their high geothermal gradients, low
concentration of dissolved solids, and significant natural recharge via precipitation. Other
research in the South and South-East area may uncover additional viable geothermal
resources.
Due to the closed nature of the majority of sedimentary geothermal reservoirs, reinjection
can be applied. After energy has been recovered from the water, geothermal reinjection
involves returning part, or possibly all water produced from a geothermal reservoir back into
the geothermal system. Water from a different source is sometimes injected into geothermal
reservoirs. This will not be essential immediately in all sites inside the Zharkent sub-basin
due to natural recharge, but will become necessary over time as geothermal development
increases. Most other sedimentary geothermal resources in Kazakhstan will undoubtedly
require the reinfection process from the start of large-scale usage.
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