A Numerical Investigation of the Potential of an Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) for Power Generation at Mount Meager, BC, Canada

This study aims to better harness the geothermal potential of Mount Meager in British Columbia, a premier reserve of geothermal resources in Canada. Numerical investigations explore the feasibility and optimization of an Enhanced Geothermal System to boost geothermal energy extraction capabilities. Utilizing COMSOL Multiphysics, the model simulates non-isothermal fluid flow and heat transfer through complex subsurface geology with discrete fracture planes. The sensitivity analyses assess the impact of various operational parameters, including injection strategies, reservoir characteristics, and wellbore configurations on heat extraction efficiency. These analyses indicate that a higher injection rate, lower injection temperatures, and optimized fracture areas significantly enhance system performance by maximizing thermal energy capture and minimizing thermal breakthrough. Additionally, specific wellbore configurations, particularly the triplet setup with deeper depth, significantly improve geothermal fluid circulation and heat extraction compared to doublet configurations at shallower depths. This study reveals that the base case scenario of the EGS could generate approximately 8.311× 109 kWh over 30 years, while optimization strategies could elevate potential production to up to 16.68× 109 kWh. These findings underscore the critical role of carefully designed operational strategies that leverage local geological and thermal characteristics to optimize geothermal systems, thereby enhancing efficiency and promoting sustainable energy development at Mount Meager.