Utah FORGE Wells Updated Temperature and Pressure Logs (June 2021)
This dataset includes updated temperature and pressure logs for Utah FORGE wells 56-32, 78-32, and 58-32. This data was acquired in June 2021.
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Results for “Utah Geothermal”
Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.
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Coupled Investigation of Fracture Permeability Impact on Reservoir Stress and Seismic Slip Behavior (Final Technical Report)
Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) produce clean energy by circulating fluid through hot rock deep underground and bringing that heat to the surface to generate electricity. For this process to work reliably, fluids must be able to move efficiently through networks of natural or engineered fractures in the rock. Enhancing and maintaining subsurface permeability over time is essential for sustainable energy production. However, fluid injection changes the underground temperature, pressure, rock stress, and chemistry, which can alter permeability and sometimes trigger earthquakes. Predicting these interconnected processes remains a key challenge. To address this, we combined high-temperature laboratory experiments with high-fidelity simulations to better understand how fractures in geothermal reservoirs evolve over time. Our experiments measured how fractures respond to stress, slip, slip rate, and chemical reactions under geothermal conditions. These data were integrated into coupled thermal-hydrological-mechanical-chemical and earthquake (THMC+E) models tailored to the Utah FORGE site. The validated modeling framework improves predictions of reservoir performance and seismic response and helps guide operational decisions. This work reduces technical risk and strengthens the scientific foundation needed to make geothermal energy a reliable and scalable clean energy resource.
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Utah FORGE 6-3712: Probabilistic Estimation of Seismic Response Using Physics-Informed Recurrent Neural Networks - 2024 Annual Workshop Presentation
This is a presentation on the Probabilistic Estimation of Seismic Response Using Physics-Informed Recurrent Neural Networks by GTC Analytics, presented by Jesse Williams. This video slide presentation discusses the development of machine learning-based predictive tools to estimate the magnitude-frequency response of stimulation-induced seismicity. This presentation was featured in the Utah FORGE R&D Annual Workshop on August 15, 2024.
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Utah FORGE: Wells 16A(78)-32 and 16B(78)-32 Circulation Test Daily Reports from August 2024
These are the daily reports created during and around the August 2024 circulation test done on wells 16A(78)-32 and 16B(78)-32 at the Utah FORGE site. Information about the rig activity during this period includes details on rig up, depths, pumping, water temperature, safety, and cleanout. The reports span all rig activities from July 29th, 2024 through September 5th, 2024.
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Utah FORGE Project 3-2417: Simulations for Distributed Acoustic Sensing Strain Signatures as an Indicator of Fracture Connectivity
This dataset encompasses simulations of strain signatures from both hydraulically connected and "near-miss" fractures in enhanced geothermal systems (EGS). The files and results are presented from the perspective of digital acoustic sensing's (DAS) potential to differentiate the two fracture types. This dataset was acquired by the FOGMORE R&D project (Fiber Optic Geophysical MOnitoring of Reservoir Evolution), under Utah FORGE R&D Project 3-2417. Included are simulation and results via MatLab and COMSOL files, as well as a thesis and paper summarizing the results. Some stimulated fractures may be incomplete, approaching but not intersecting the production well. These "near-miss" fractures can be addressed in future stimulation stages or re-stimulated to complete the connection. We propose the use of fiber optic distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) as a method by which near-miss stimulated fractures may be identified and distinguished from hydraulically connected fractures. The low-frequency sub-nanostrain signatures of both complete and near-miss fractures in DAS data are simulated in this study using a hydrogeomechanical discrete fracture network model. The spatial distribution of strain was found to be an accurate indicator. However, this indicator must be evaluated in the context of DAS gauge length and spatial sampling. These simulations are a precursor to tests conducted at FORGE in 2023.
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Utah FORGE: Well 16A(78)-32 2022 Stimulation Silixa Microseismic Report
This is the Utah FORGE well 16A(78)-32 stimulation microseismic detection and location report from Silixa LLC. The stimulation was accomplished during April, 2022.
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Utah FORGE: Seismic Event Catalogue from the April, 2022 Stimulation of Well 16A(78)-32
This dataset includes earthquake catalogues for the three stages of the 2022 well 16A(78)-32 stimulation provided by Geo Energie Suisse. Events in these catalogues have been visually inspected. There are additional events of lower signal to noise that were automatically detected. Those events will require additional analysis and processing. Times are recorded in UTC (Coordinate Universal Time), and the coordinate reference system is UTM Zone 12N, NAD83.
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Laboratory Experiments Examining the Effect of Thermal and Mechanical Processes on Hydraulic Transmissivity Evolution
Using laboratory slide-hold-slide experiments, at temperatures from 22 to 200 degrees C, to examine effects of fracture reactivation and quasi-static loading on the evolution of fluid transport properties of simulated fractures in Westerly granite. At all temperatures, the in-plane hydraulic transmissivity consistently decays during hold periods resulting in an overall reduction in transmissivity. During the first three to fifteen hours of an experiment, transmissivity decreases rapidly due to the generation of wear products, development of a sliding surface, and compaction of the resulting gouge. Once the sliding surface has developed, the long-term transmissivity decay rate at 22 and 100 degrees C is significantly lower than the transmissivity decay rate during the initial 3-15 hours of the experiment. However, at 200 degrees C, the decay of hydraulic transmissivity remains high throughout the experiment. The long-term decay of hydraulic transmissivity can be fitted with a power law model with more rapid reduction of hydraulic transmissivity at higher temperature. Periods of sliding on the fracture surface result in transient increases in the transmissivity, due to shear dilation, as is expected for Coulomb materials. These transients are superimposed on the long-term decay. When sliding ceases and a new hold period commences, there is a rapid reduction in transmissivity and return to the long-term rate of transmissivity decay. The rate of decay of the transmissivity transients is inversely correlated with temperature, in contrast to the long-term decay and the expected behavior for processes like subcritical crack growth and indentation creep. The higher decay rates that are observed during the initial 3-15 hours of the tests and following sliding, are associated with times that the porosity of the gouge is expected to be high. The difference in decay rates suggests that when the gouge is driven far from equilibrium by active shearing, densification may be dominated by a different mechanism from long-term compaction.
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Utah FORGE: Updated FMI Fracture Log from Well 16A(78)-32
This dataset consists of an Excel spreadsheet detailing the fracture picks from a reinterpretation of the formation micro-imaging (FMI) log from Utah FORGE well 16A(78)-32. The provided information details fracture location, geometry, and type. Also included here is a link to the original raw and processed FMI logs, as well as other data from the 2021 well logging.
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Utah FORGE 5-2615: Determination and Analysis of Thermo-poromechanical Response of Fractured Rock - 2024 Annual Workshop Presentation
This is a presentation on the Determination and Modeling-Informed Analysis of Thermo-poromechanical Response of Fractured Rock for Application to FORGE by the University of Oklahoma, presented by Ahmad Ghassemi. This video presentation discusses how to improve understanding and control of coupled thermoporomechanical (or thermo-hydro-mechanical-THM) processes in reservoir development, and to demonstrate its role in interpretations of the fracture closure pressure. This presentation was featured in the Utah FORGE R&D Annual Workshop on August 13-15, 2024.
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Utah FORGE 2-2439v2: Characterizing In-Situ Stress with Laboratory Modelling and Field Measurements - 2024 Annual Workshop Presentation
This is a presentation on A Multi-Component Approach to Characterizing In-Situ Stress at the Utah FORGE Site: Laboratory Modelling and Field Measurements project by The University of Pittsburgh, presented by Andrew Bunger. The project characterizes the stress in the Utah FORGE EGS reservoir using three methods: Method 1: Demonstrate complimentary laboratory rock-core stress estimation combined with Machine Learning approach for measuring in-situ stress from field sonic log data; Method 2: Complete field based in-situ measurement (mini-frac); and Method 3: Develop a mechanics-based method for connection near wellbore stress measurements to stresses away from the well-bore. This presentation was featured in the Utah FORGE R&D Annual Workshop on August 14, 2024.
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Utah FORGE Composite Raw Gravity Data 2021
This is a composite raw gravity dataset of the Utah FORGE area taken over time from December 2018 to to June 2021. The data shows differences in local gravity at different location across Utah FORGE. Included with the gravity data is the NAD83 UTM coordinates of each station in meters. More detailed information can be found in the readme included in the data resource.
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Utah FORGE 7-3639: Design and Implementation of a Novel Multi-Frac Stimulation Concept - 2024 Annual Workshop Presentation
This is a presentation on the Design and Implementation of a Novel Multi-Frac Stimulation Concept by The University of Oklahoma, presented by Ahmad Ghassemi. This slide presentation video discusses the design and implementation of a reservoir stimulation concept improving near-wellbore and well-to-well conductivity while enhancing the SRV and promoting self-propping and heat exchange. This presentation was featured in the Utah FORGE R&D Annual Workshop on August 13-15, 2024.
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Utah FORGE 6-3629: Application of Machine Learning, Geomechanics, and Seismology for Real-Time Decision Making Tools During Stimulation - 2024 Annual Workshop Presentation
This is a presentation on the Cutting Edge Application of Machine Learning, Geomechanics, and Seismology for Real-Time Decision Making Tools During Stimulation by the University of Utah, presented by No'am Zach Dvory. This video slide presentation, by the University of Utah, discussed the technical objectives of developing a real-time decision-making platform to enhance seismic monitoring and risk management during stimulation activities. This presentation was featured in the Utah FORGE R&D Annual Workshop on August 15, 2024.
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Utah FORGE 5-2419: Temperature Testing of Proppants for EGS and Stimulation of Electromagnetic Fracture Mapping Using Electrically-Conducive Proppants - 2024 Annual Workshop Presentation
This is a presentation on the Temperature Testing of Proppants for EGS and Stimulation of Electromagnetic Fracture Mapping Using Electrically-Conducive Proppants by Stevens Institute of Technology, presented by Cheng Chen. This video slide presentation discusses well controlled laboratory experiments testing the high-temperature performance of electrically-conductive and non-electrically-conductive proppants in maintaining fractures hydraulic and electrical conductivities to understand and quantify the thermal-hydrologic-mechanical-chemical mechanisms that regulate the observed behaviors. This will be tested using proppant/fracture imaging via borehole electromagnetic measurements. This presentation was featured in the Utah FORGE R&D Annual Workshop on August 15, 2024.
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FlowDash Geothermal Energy Enhancer: Where is Next Geothermal Resource? Machine Learning + Multiple Datasets => Geothermal Exploration Indication?
This is the presentation delivered at the 2025 GEODE Datathon competition. GEODE is a consortium of experts that addresses technology and knowledge gaps in geothermal energy, leveraging technology and best practices from the oil and gas industry. NETL team was awarded the 1st place in the engineering track. 2025 GEODE Datathon had a total of 42 teams from top universities and several major industrial companies. This awarded work is founded on a robust idea and innovative approach that uses machine learning coupled to multiple datasets to visualize geothermal “sweet” spots/indications in Great Basin based on the data provided from the GEODE Datathon. The use case also leveraged other datasets and demonstrated insightful and valuable indications for geothermal exploration.
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Utah FORGE 3-2418: Wellbore Fracture Imaging Using Inflow Detection Measurements - Workshop Presentation
This is a presentation on the Wellbore Fracture Imaging Using Inflow Detection Measurements project by Stanford University, presented by Dr. Roland N. Horne. The project's objective was to make measurements in the Utah FORGE wells, both before and after fracturing experiments, to map the fractures and estimate their flow magnitude. The approach utilizes a ion-specific electrode that will measure chloride in the well. The idea is that water flowing into the well from the fractures will have a different concentration of chloride than the surrounding water. This presentation was featured in the Utah FORGE R&D Annual Workshop on September 8, 2023. The workshop provided a valuable opportunity to explore the progress made in each of the 17 Research and Development projects funded under Solicitation 2020-1 which aim to enhance our understanding of the crucial factors influencing the development of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) reservoirs and resources.
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Hot Springs and Geysers: Exploring Historical and Modern Impacts of Geothermal Energy Production on Associated Natural Surface Systems and Standardizing Management Practices
Surface thermal features, most notably hot springs and geysers are increasingly being recognized for their importance to ecosystems, indigenous cultures, and in some cases agriculture, recreation, and tourism. Geothermal project development poses a potential risk to these natural features but current regulatory requirements for assessing and managing these risks during exploration, permitting and monitoring are somewhat inconsistent and unpredictable across different geothermal fields. This has resulted in uncertainty and increases in exploration risk for geothermal energy developers that have led to costly project delays, cancellations, or hesitation to commit. Varying regulatory requirements may also influence public perception, fostering confusion, distrust and ultimately opposition to geothermal projects, further contributing to project delays or cancellations. At a time when there is an increasing urgency for reliable baseload clean energy, geothermal is a net-zero, renewable solution that additionally provides access to more equitable and environmentally just clean power. Continued integration of geothermal energy into the national energy roadmap can be facilitated through consistent and predictable permitting, providing regulators the framework they need, developers a clear path forward, and transparency that the public deserves. This project, currently in its beginning phases, seeks to address this important issue by providing a technical basis from which to build a preliminary protocol for assessing and managing potential impacts from new or existing geothermal energy projects to surface thermal features and their associated ecosystems. Development of this preliminary protocol will be informed by (1) a literature review of well-documented case studies in the western U.S. and New Zealand to understand the range of conditions that exemplify geothermal-surface thermal systems; (2) development of generic illustrative conceptual-numerical models to quantify, understand, and predict the first-order controls (e.g., pressure and permeability) on surface flows; and (3) additional independent and scientifically rigorous evaluations of geothermal-surface thermal system case studies from the Basin and Range Province that incorporate publicly available data as well as data provided by industry through data-sharing agreements. Learning from the successes of the process used to develop the Induced Seismicity Management Protocol (ISMP), we ultimately aim to use these initial efforts as a springboard for establishing a surface thermal feature management working group that will work collaboratively to finalize the protocol as well as co-create recommended best practices for implementation. We envision that the working group will primarily be composed of representatives from regulatory entities, government agencies, Tribes, academia, national laboratories, and industry, and will include early and regular engagement with community organizations and environmental groups. This will help ensure broad acceptance and implementation of the protocol, which will facilitate a more consistent, predictable, and standardized regulatory process, and help to ensure that geothermal energy continues to provide a reliable source of clean energy, and a pathway to achieving greater energy equity in the U.S.
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