20 research outputs found
Thermal History And Source Rock Maturity Modelling Of The Akri-bijeel Area, Nw Zagros Foldbelt, Kurdistan Region, Northern Iraq
No full textOpen Access via the Wiley agreement We thank the MOL Group in Kurdistan for providing well data, and we appreciate the efforts of Hawkar Ali Abdulhaq and Berivan Sherko Mahmoud (MOL). We thank the Ministry of Natural Resources of Kurdistan Regional Government for the data release. Schlumberger is thanked for providing the PetroMod software versions 2016 and 2017 used in this study.Peer reviewe
Harnessing geothermal energy in Hungary
No full textThis paper provides a summary of the current status of geothermal energy utilisation in Hungary, with a brief reference to geothermal potential. Approximately 1,000 thermal wells are in operation, producing from two principal aquifers: carbonate aquifers (predominantly Mesozoic) and Upper Miocene siliciclastic aquifers
Geothermal Energy and Its Potential for Critical Metal Extraction—A Review
No full textIn an era of accelerating energy transition and growing demand for critical metals essential for clean technologies, the innovative integration of geothermal energy with critical metal extraction stands as a paradigm shift in sustainable resource utilization. This comprehensive review unravels the synergistic potential of coupling geothermal energy systems with critical metal extraction, thereby transforming a dual crisis of energy and resource scarcity into an opportunity for circular economy. Through rigorous analysis of existing geothermal technologies, and extraction methodologies, the study establishes a coherent framework that merges energy production with environmental stewardship. It scrutinizes current extraction techniques, and evaluates their compatibility with geothermal brine characteristics, proposing optimized pathways for maximum yield. Through detailed case studies and empirical data, the paper elucidates the economic and environmental advantages of this multifaceted approach, from reduced carbon footprint to enhanced energy efficiency and resource recovery. It concludes that combined heat and mineral production technology can open new, unexplored resources, increasing the supply of previously untapped resources, while the potential of geothermal energy for sustainable mineral extraction and energy production is in line with Sustainable Development Goal 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
The Structural and Geomorphic Forms of Ranya Vicinity as Deduced from Satellite Images Data, Kurdistan Region, Northeast Iraq
No full textThe structural forms (folds and faults) in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region exhibit more complexity in the northern and northeastern parts of the region; accordingly, complicated geomorphic forms were developed too. This is attributed to the collision of the Arabian and Eurasian plates with a convergent boundary that runs about 35 – 40 km northeast of the studied area. Many long and tight anticlines exist in the studied area, the majority of them exhibit very complex forms, such as being faulted and their axes being bent. The main characteristic structural and Geomorphic recognized forms based on the interpretation of high-quality satellite images are: Domes, en-echelon plunges, overturned beds, faulted anticlinal and synclinal axes, abandoned and recent alluvial fans, water and wind gaps, wine glasses, and different valley shapes. The recognized structural forms are quite different from those previously presented on the geological maps of different scales, and the forms are good indications for the lateral growth of the anticlines. A Field check was carried out to check some ambiguous interpreted data and to confirm the new findings
New structural findings in Bijeel - Aqra vicinity, Kurdistan region of Iraq: Insight into oil exploration and hydrocarbon maturation
No full textThe southern vicinity of Aqra town; Iraqi Kurdistan Region is characterized by hilly morphology and low mountainous relief; this area is a promising oil district with many oil fields. The widely exposed rocks in the study belong to the Bai Hassan Formation (Pliocene – Pleistocene), older rocks have rare exposures and are restricted within the core of some anticlines, especially east of the Greater Zab River. The economic importance of this area mandates updated structural investigations accompanied by the potential rock units that may comprise the petroleum systems and their elements. The performed structural study used high-quality satellite images (ESSRI, 2013. ArcGIS REST Services Directory) to deduce the structural forms in the studied area. A stratigraphic appraisal of the geologic formations was also conducted to define the elements of petroleum systems of the study area. The study area was previously known to have only four anticlines (Bijeel, Rovia, Sarta, and Bawakhan anticlines), which were described and plotted on geological maps. Whereas, in the current study, six anticlines were recognized; they are from north to south: Bijeel, Mamandok, Grdashin, Rovia, Sarta, and Bawakhan anticlines, all these structures were verified upon checking field visits. The delineation of the axes of the recently recognized anticlines with their accurate locations and extensions, will furnish interesting data, especially, for oil exploration activities, and may add further reservoir discoveries. The definition of potential petroleum systems facilitated pointing out the stratal units (formations) that can make each element of the petroleum systems: source, reservoir, and sealing rocks. © 2025 Elsevier Lt
Soil Types and Erosion in Iraq: A Critical Discussion
No full textIraq includes different tectonic zones and different physiographic provinces; accordingly, different types of soils, and erosion types and intensities are developed in different parts of Iraq. There were many attempts to compile a map of soil types in Iraq by different authors, which we mentioned very briefly. The main soil types are alluvial, colluvial, residual, and eolian. Also, a brief description of the physiographic provinces is given. We have presented the active erosion types in Iraq, with a discussion of the reasons for soil erosion and degradation in different parts of Iraq excluding the northern and northeastern parts that belong to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). The main erosion agents are water and wind. The active erosion types are sheet, rill, and gully erosion; respectively; however, wind erosion cannot be ignored. We also discussed the factors that control soil degradation in Iraq. Moreover, we presented different relevant maps and field photos, which express relevant data about erosion types and damages
A Data-Driven ML Model for Sand Channel Prediction from Well Logs for UTES Site Optimization and Thermal Breakthrough Prevention: Hungary Case Study
No full textThis study presents a data-driven approach to predict the three-dimensional distribution of sand-rich channels in hydrocarbon reservoirs using well log data, aiming to optimize site selection for Underground Thermal Energy Storage (UTES) and manage hot and cold well pairs effectively. Leveraging detailed petrophysical datasets from 128 hydrocarbon exploration wells within the Szolnok Formation in southern Hungary, the developed machine-learning workflow—combining XGBoost regression and spatial residual correction—accurately delineated permeable channel systems suitable for thermal energy injection and extraction. The model achieved robust predictive performance (R2 = 0.92; RMSE = 0.24), and correlation analyses confirmed significant relationships between predicted channels and sand content and shale content. Clearly identified high-permeability channel zones facilitated strategic well placement, significantly reducing the risk of premature thermal breakthrough and enhancing the reliability and efficiency of UTES operations
Transforming Abandoned Hydrocarbon Fields into Heat Storage Solutions: A Hungarian Case Study Using Enhanced Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis–Analytic Hierarchy Process and Geostatistical Methods
No full textThis study introduces a robust methodology utilizing Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) combined with an Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to repurpose abandoned hydrocarbon fields for energy storage, supporting the transition to renewable energy sources. We use a geostatistical approach integrated with Python scripting to analyze reservoir parameters—including porosity, permeability, thickness, lithology, temperature, heat capacity, and thermal conductivity—from a decommissioned hydrocarbon field in Southeast Hungary. Our workflow leverages stochastic simulation data to identify potential zones for energy storage, categorizing them into high-, moderate-, and low-suitability scenarios. This innovative approach provides rapid and precise analysis, enabling effective decision-making for energy storage implementation in depleted fields. The key finding is the development of a methodology that can quickly and accurately assess the feasibility of repurposing abandoned hydrocarbon reservoirs for underground thermal energy storage, offering a practical solution for sustainable energy transition
Transforming Abandoned Hydrocarbon Fields into Heat Storage Solutions: A Hungarian Case Study Using Enhanced Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis–Analytic Hierarchy Process and Geostatistical Methods
No full textThis study introduces a robust methodology utilizing Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) combined with an Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to repurpose abandoned hydrocarbon fields for energy storage, supporting the transition to renewable energy sources. We use a geostatistical approach integrated with Python scripting to analyze reservoir parameters—including porosity, permeability, thickness, lithology, temperature, heat capacity, and thermal conductivity—from a decommissioned hydrocarbon field in Southeast Hungary. Our workflow leverages stochastic simulation data to identify potential zones for energy storage, categorizing them into high-, moderate-, and low-suitability scenarios. This innovative approach provides rapid and precise analysis, enabling effective decision-making for energy storage implementation in depleted fields. The key finding is the development of a methodology that can quickly and accurately assess the feasibility of repurposing abandoned hydrocarbon reservoirs for underground thermal energy storage, offering a practical solution for sustainable energy transition
