Quantitative approximation of geothermal potential of Bakreswar geothermal area in eastern India

TL;DR

This study estimates the geothermal energy potential of Bakreswar in India using radioactive decay and helium measurements, providing a non-invasive method for assessing geothermal resources and guiding drilling locations.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach to evaluate geothermal potential through radioactive decay and helium analysis, reducing reliance on extensive geophysical surveys.

Findings

Estimated heat energy of 38 MW from radioactive decay.

Reservoir depth approximately 1,100 meters.

Identified optimal drilling locations based on resistivity data.

Abstract

Proper utilization of geothermal energy for power generation is still ignored in India even after having it's enough potential as much as the equivalent to the other nonconventional energy resources of the country. A major thrust is required in this field of technology. The source of geothermal energy is the decay of the radio-nuclei, such as Uranium, Thorium, and Potassium inside the Earth's crust apart from the primordial heat source. The noble gas 4He is also produced during the radioactive disintegration process. Therefore, measuring the amount of 4He gas generated in the terrestrial radioactive process along with some other geochemical parameters in an Indian geothermal reservoir, the potential of the reservoir can be evaluated without performing conventional and detailed geochemical & geophysical techniques. Mathematical calculations relating to the radioactive disintegration to estimate the geothermal potential of the Bakreswar geothermal area at eastern India utilizing the concept of the 4He exploration technique has been described here. The study showed that the heat energy generated by the radioactive decay of 238Th, 238U and 235U inside Bakreswar geothermal reservoir was evaluated as 38 MW only considering the He emanated from the Agni Kunda hot spring. In addition, the depth of the geothermal reservoir was also evaluated to be about 1,100 m using some geophysical characteristics of the reservoir at the study area. Furthermore, the suitable locations of deep drilling for the installation of the probable geothermal power plant are also identified by investigating the resistivity survey profile of the study area.