Journal article
Geothermal energy potential of the Mangyshlak Basin, western Kazakhstan: A preliminary assessment based on stratigraphy and temperature data
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geothermics.2023.102655
Highlights
- Data: temperatures from oil and gas wells; depth–temperature profiles and the first regional temperature maps of the Mangyshlak Basin.
- Areas of elevated temperature: Peschanomys–Rakushechny, Tuarkyr–Karabogaz, Zhetybay–Uzen and Tenge–Tasbulat.
- Technologies considered: conventional sedimentary geothermal systems (SedHeat), enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) and other emerging methods.
Summary
Kazakhstan is a major petroleum producer. The authors argue that geothermal energy can join solar and wind power in the country’s decarbonisation strategy, because several of its sedimentary basins have elevated temperatures. Ashirgul Kozhagulova, Milovan Fustic and colleagues make a preliminary assessment of the geothermal potential of the Mangyshlak Basin in western Kazakhstan. From oil and gas industry data they build depth–temperature profiles and, from these, the first regional maps of temperature distribution in the basin.
Temperatures are elevated in the Peschanomys–Rakushechny, Tuarkyr–Karabogaz, Zhetybay–Uzen and Tenge–Tasbulat regions. Combining the depth–temperature profiles with regional stratigraphy and reservoir properties, the authors identify the best areas and horizons for conventional sedimentary geothermal systems (SedHeat), enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) and other emerging technologies. An earlier conference paper by the same group put the geothermal energy in place in the basin at about 70,000 EJ.
How to cite
Ashirgul Kozhagulova, Antoine Dillinger, Emil Bayramov, Renat Iltukov, John Holbrook and Milovan Fustic (2023). Geothermal energy potential of the Mangyshlak Basin, western Kazakhstan: A preliminary assessment based on stratigraphy and temperature data. Geothermics, vol. 109, 102655. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geothermics.2023.102655