On Feb. 8, Allan Chatenay presented a joint paper between Explor and Borealis Geothermal at the Stanford Geothermal Workshop 2023. This paper focused on seismic work done for the Fuel for Reconciliation project.
Fuel for Reconciliation is a partnership between Borealis Geothermal and Kitselas First Nation. Through Kitselas Geothermal Inc., the Kitselas Development Corp. owns the majority stake in the Fuel for Reconciliation geothermal project. This project can decarbonize local industry and create an economic base for the Gits’llaasu People. These peoples have occupied their homelands for more than 5,000 years, in the region near present-day Terrace, B.C.
Fuel for Reconciliation will harness the M'deek geothermal reservoir. In 2020, 4 pilot core holes broadly confirmed the commercial viability of the geothermal reservoir. Additional Research & Development drilling of 3 core holes was completed in 2021. Reservoir modelling is currently underway to support production well target selection.
The paper abstract is included below:
Zero Impact Seismic in Support of Geothermal Exploration
Allan CHATENAY, Krystal MACDONALD, Megan EYRE, Fred HEIKKINEN, Michael SAUNDERS, Tim THOMPSON, Alison THOMPSON
[Explor, USA]
While the ability of high-density seismic data to improve subsurface imaging has been well understood for some time, the logistical complexity and concomitant expense of acquiring high-density seismic data has precluded most geothermal explorers from accessing the technology. Recent advances in seismic data acquisition technology have resulted in a step change reduction in the weight and size of cableless seismic receiver nodes. Concurrently, we have made significant progress developing lightweight seismic source technology with similar reductions in size and weight. When used together, these technologies dramatically reduce cost, risk, and environmental impact of onshore seismic operations. In late 2021, we deployed a field team to a geothermal exploration project in Northwest British Columbia, Canada to test the ability of these emerging technologies to image the subsurface in an area with complex geology. We will review the field test conducted and the results thereof and we will compare the outcomes with seismic data acquired in the same area in 1985. We will describe how applying new nimble seismic technology in an integrated way can transform the landscape for geothermal exploration.