Development of an Integrated Geological-Engineering Framework for Assessing the Heat Extraction Potential from the Geopressured Wilcox Reservoir on the Gulf Coast of Texas

Kartik Mawa , Mojdeh Delshad, Marcos Vitor Barbosa Machado, Shuvajit Bhattacharya, Peter Eichhubl

This study aims to establish a comprehensive framework for evaluating the geothermal potential of High-Pressure and High-Temperature (HPHT) aquifers or geopressured geothermal reservoirs in the Wilcox Formation on the onshore Gulf Coast of Texas, USA. The framework integrates geological and engineering approaches to determine the feasibility and viability of harnessing geothermal energy from these aquifers. By considering geological features and reservoir properties, such as heat capacity and thermal conductivity of fluid and rock, fluid flow dynamics, and heat losses in the wellbore and through the under and overburden, this integrated framework will provide valuable insights for the sustainable production of geothermal resources from the onshore Wilcox aquifers.