A THERMAL ANALYSIS INTO THE REGION OF REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN, CANADA FOR GEOTHERMAL ENERGY PROSPECTING

Abstract: This paper focuses on the thermal analysis of the wells within the proximity of those used by previous geothermal demonstration project carried out at the University of Regina in 1977. In addition, wells around Moose Jaw within the deep clastic and carbonate rock units (between 2 km and 3 km); with focus on the Deadwood and Winnipeg formations were also investigated. The bottom-hole temperatures (BHT) of the target wells were extracted from the well database (IHS AccuMap and GeoScount) and corrected using the Harrison correction method. The thermal gradient for each well was obtained using the corrected BHT values, through which the subsurface temperature for each well (at depths 2.5 km and 3.0 km) was calculated using the Lachenbruch model. The paper presents findings of a conservative subsurface temperature range of approximately 50 ?-90 ? consistent at depths 2.5 km and 3.0 km. This range is certainly inadequate for electricity generation from the resource, though direct use applications can be pursued. A potential heat mining field is highlighted within the findings east of Regina as a potential area of interest for direct use applications (heating and cooling of buildings).

Keywords: Subsurface Temperatures, Regina, Geothermal Energy.