Geothermal exploration in the Middle East, a case study

Known for its world class hydrocarbon plays, the Middle East also offers the opportunity to explore lower carbon emissions energy sources; geothermal.

Understanding the geologic evolution of our basins was key to capitalize and focus the lessons learned from hydrocarbon exploration to the investigation and growth of geothermal resources within the kingdom.

Oil and gas exploration is based on the statistical study of six different elements: trap, reservoir, seal, source, migration, and timing. Whereas the factors that mostly define the success of a geothermal project are flow volume and temperature. Our strategy involved understanding the main elements that define success in geothermal exploration, and follow four main steps to characterize areas of interest: Research, screening, risk, and exploration.  

Research of worldwide successful geothermal developments, with similar geological settings of those found within the kingdom. Screening our geological basin to find analog settings where we could apply the same principles. Risking each factor through a scrutinized statistical analysis similar to the process used in hydrocarbon exploration. Finally, choosing two areas to further investigate their geothermal potential with exploration wells.

The following work further illustrates each step of our exploration process and highlights our lessons learned and future areas of investigation.