Fractures exert first-order control on the hydraulic, mechanical, thermal, and chemical behaviour of many subsurface geoenergy systems. Discrete fracture network DFN models provide a powerful framework for representing fracture geometry, connectivity, transmissivity, and uncertainty across scales, from outcrops and boreholes to reservoir-scale simulations. However, robust DFN characterization and engineering remain challenging because fracture systems are heterogeneous, scale-dependent, and often only partially observable.
This session invites contributions on advances in the characterization, modelling, validation, and engineering of fractured reservoirs for geoenergy applications. Relevant applications include geothermal energy, enhanced geothermal systems EGS, underground thermal energy storage, geological storage of CO2 and hydrogen, nuclear waste isolation, and other subsurface energy technologies where fractures influence performance and risk.
We welcome studies integrating field observations, borehole and core data, structural geology, geophysics, hydraulic testing, tracer tests, microseismicity, remote sensing, laboratory experiments, and numerical modelling. Particular interest lies in methods that quantify fracture network geometry, topology, flow properties, and uncertainty; couple DFN models with thermal-hydraulic-mechanical-chemical THMC-processes; and support decision-making for reservoir stimulation, monitoring, and safe long-term operation.
By bringing together researchers and practitioners from structural geology, hydrogeology, geomechanics, geophysics, reservoir engineering, and computational modelling, this session aims to foster interdisciplinary discussion on how DFN approaches can improve the design, operation, and risk assessment of future geoenergy systems. Particular interest lies in methods that quantify fracture network geometry, topology, flow properties, and uncertainty; coupled DFN models with thermal-hydraulic-mechanical-chemical THMC-processes; and support decision-making for reservoir stimulation, monitoring, and safe long-term operation.