Energy Transition Geosolutions
“Geothermal Energy Production (GEP), Energy Storage (ES), and Carbon Storage and Sequestration (CSS) Potential in Kazakhstan Sedimentary Basins – Geological Baseline Study”
Geothermal Map of Mangyshlak Basin, Kozhagulova et al., 2021
1. Geothermal Energy Production / geothermal assessment (basin scale), conventional and fractured reservoirs / aquifers (i.e. Oimasha granite) and enhanced geothermal systems
The project’s main aim is to assess the Geothermal Energy Potential of the sedimentary basins in Kazakhstan. The presence of hot spots sufficient for energy production is proven by constructing georeferenced temperature distribution maps and their conversion to energy distribution maps using modern concepts and techniques. Comprehensive geological studies are carried to find laterally extensive connected reservoirs with the best filtration properties among the areas containing the largest energy potential. The mineralogical content of the produced geothermal water helps to evaluate its corrosive potential for future fluid production and helps to estimate the possibility of the industrial-scale production of precious metals, e.g. Lithium.
Funding: Collaborative Research Grant in partnership with Satbayev University
Primary study areas: Mangyshlak, Illi, and Syrdarya Basins
Co-PI: Drs. Vyaceslav Zavaley and Talgat Yensepbayev (Satbayev University)
International Advisor: Dr. John Holbrook, Texas Christian University.
2. Energy Storage
Primary study areas: Pricaspian, Chu-Sarisu, Illi, and Syrdarya.
Co-PI's: Drs. Randy Hazlett and Emil Bayramov (SMG - NU), Dr. Andrey Khalimon (Chemistry - NU), Dr. Talgat Yensepbayev (Satbayev University)
3. CO2 mineral trapping in sedimentary reservoirs (glauconite and/or UM rock fragments)
Funding: Chevron
Start date: June 2022
Academic Partnership: University of Calgary; Department of GeoEnergy and Storage, Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS)
Co-PI's: Dr. Randy Hazlett (Nazarbayev University).
Advisors: Drs. Benjamin Tutolo and Rikke Weibel
4. Carbon Storage by Adsorption in Coals and Organic Rich Shales
Funding: CRP Grant
Start date: June 2021
Academic Partnership: Montanuniversität Leoben, Austria
Co-PI's: Drs. Randy Hazlett, Andrey Khalimon, and Medet Junussov (Nazarbayev University).
Advisors: Drs. Reinhard Sachsenhofer and David Misch (Montanuniversität Leoben, Austria); Dr. Maira Kazankapova (Coal Institute, Astana, Kazakhstan)
5. Hydrogen co-production during CO2 mineralization in ultramafic rocks
6. Hydrogen production potential from deeply buried lacustrine (hydrogen-rich) source rocks