A Review on the Geomaterial Aspects of Geothermal Reservoirs and Its Exploration

Abstract

In this work a review on the geomaterial aspects of geothermal energy will be presented based on scholarly articles and published materials. As introduction an overview of basic geothermal resource concepts such as the occurrence of geothermal energy, mechanisms of heat flow in the ground and its reservoir types will be explained. Following this, properties of geothermal reservoir formations like permeability and thermal properties of rocks will be presented in detail. Geothermal resource and reservoir characteristics exploration methods including geophysical, geochemical and thermal gradient wells are also broadly discussed in this review. Moreover, a brief presentation on the geothermal resource and related research activities in Ethiopia will be addressed. The objective of this review is to discuss the role of geomaterials on the utilization of geothermal energy.