The main objective of the GEOSMART project is to develop a site-independent concept for risk analysis in hydrothermal and petrothermal energy recovery as well as the geological storage of fluids within the geological subsurface. In this context, detailed numerical process models are employed, including the development of the required model coupling interfaces. Essential risk components as the propagation of cracks, induced seismicity, displacement of formation fluids and well integrity are first separately assessed. Subsequently, the significant influencing factors of all risk components are investigated and integrated within a central system simulation model. This approach supports calculating the probability distribution for each risk component, independently of the study area or the numerical software package used.

The Fluid Systems Modelling Section’s focus within the GEOSMART-project is on the displacement of formation fluids along geogenic or anthropogenically-induced geological fault zones. Our numerical process models especially account for the relevant hydrochemical and hydromechanical interactions. Further, well integrity is investigated and fluid leakage along the borehole is quantified, considering particularly thermo-hydro-chemo-mechanical processes along cement sheat-casing and cement sheat-rock interfaces.