Terceira geothermal-identification and characterisation of a new deep seated high temperature geothermal reservoir Phase I

Objective

The aim of the project is to demonstrate the existence of a commercially exploitable high temperature geothermal field on the island of Terceira (Açores). The work will include the precise location and delineation of the geothermal field and will define its hydrothermal characteristics. The results will be used for a subsequent commercial feasibility study and for exploitation to be undertaken by the government, Community or private institutions.


The project will be carried out in two phases. Within Phase I, subject to the present contract, emphasis will be put on the exploration of geothermal areas on the island. Due to the strong relief of this volcanic island the following exploration techniques will be applied:
1. Synthetic Aperture Shuttle Imaging Radar combined wiht multi-spectral ERTS Imagery and aerial photographs to detect tectonic lineaments and, with the aid of field geology, to prepare a detailed volcano/tectonic map with factual interpretations of the sequence of events. Results will be used for the selection of areas.

2. Detailed rare gas ground emission mapping and monitoring, especially of the combination Radon with He, Ar, Hg and CO2 in the selected areas. Results will lead to the selection of a single area of 5 x 5 km.
3. Ground resistivity survey of the selected area using magnetotelluric soundings, permitting detection and location of small volumes of low resistivity material at depth even in rugged volcanic terrain.
The foregoing will provide all the information necessary for the selection of a priority slim-hole diamond drilling target for the second phase of the project.

Fields of science

• natural sciences › chemical sciences › inorganic chemistry › noble gases
• natural sciences › earth and related environmental sciences › geology › volcanology
• engineering and technology › electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering › information engineering › telecommunications › radio technology › radar

Programme(s)

• FP3-JOULE 2 - Specific research and technological development programme (EEC) in the field of non-nuclear energy, 1990-1994

Topic(s)

• 0305 - Geothermal energy

Call for proposal

Data not available

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

3R di F. Aumento & C. Snc

Address

Via Malpaga 2
21020 Ternate Varese
Italy

Participants (2)

Idrogeo Srl

Italy

Address

Via Mercato Vecchio 1
34124 Trieste

UNIVERSIDADE DOS ACORES

Portugal

Address

Rua De Mae De Deus
9500 Ponta Delgada