World-class training for the modern energy industry

Exertion Level: Easy

Tectonic framework for the Energy Transition: Geothermal and CCS Geological Analogs along the Western North American Continental Margin, California (G583)

Tutors

Zane Jobe: Research Professor, Colorado School of Mines and the Director of the Geology Center of Research Excellence (CoRE).

Andrea Fildani: Professor at University of Naples Federico II

Overview

This course will explore a range of outcrops in central California to study topics inherent to the energy transition. Participants will be introduced to the tectonic setting of Western North America that provides opportunities for geothermal energy production, carbon sequestration (both mineralization and pore-scale trapping) and additionally, natural hydrogen exploration. Participants will learn how to characterize the locations of potential projects and explain the key geological factors that affect these and their feasibility. 

Duration and Logistics

A 7-day field course based in Sacramento, California. Training will take place through in-class presentations, field observations, printed exercises and discussions in the field. Transport will be by coach.

Exertion Level

The field component of this course requires an EASY exertion level. There will be short hikes to outcrops mostly on flat to gently sloping terrain and gravel tracks. The climate in California during the spring and fall is variable with temperatures from 50°F (10°C) to hot and dry up to 100°F (38°C).

Level and Audience

Fundamental. The course is intended for a variety of professionals working in the energy transition including those responsible for policy on energy, regulators, energy sector investors and also those working on conservation.  The course would also be suitable for geoscientists interested in a broad overview of energy transition topics.

Objectives

You will learn to:

  1. Evaluate the regional tectonic framework and evolution for prediction of energy transition opportunities.
  2. Describe regional geothermal systems and understand their relationships to tectonic evolution.
  3. Analyze ultramafic rocks that are targeted for CO2 mineralization studies and natural hydrogen exploration.
  4. Compare outcrop analogues to subsurface data for carbon sequestration in sedimentary rocks from several depositional environments.
  5. Characterize the locations of potential projects and explain the key geological factors that affect these and their feasibility.

Natural Hydrogen, Pau, France (G582)

Tutor(s)

Eric Gaucher: CEO, Lavoisier H2 Geoconsult and RockyH2.

Jean Gaucher: Development Officer, Lavoisier H2 Geoconsult.

Overview

The last few years has seen a growing interest in natural hydrogen accumulations. We know that there are a variety of processes that can lead to hydrogen being produced in the Earth’s crust but there is much still to understand about these, how much is perhaps present in subsurface stores and where these accumulations are. Commercial exploitation will also need to assess the engineering challenges for extracting this hydrogen and ultimately how best it can be utilised as part of the changing face of our modern energy landscape. This course will give an integrated view on the economic, strategic and scientific aspects of natural hydrogen exploration and its perspectives.

Duration and Logistics

Virtual version: Four 3.5-hour online sessions presented over four days comprising a mix of lectures, exercises, case studies and discussion. The course manual will be provided in digital format.

Fieldtrip version: A 5-day field course located in Pau, France with a focus on the geological aspects of natural hydrogen.

Level and Audience

Fundamental. The course is largely aimed at geologists interested in natural hydrogen occurrences but the trainers able to adapt the level of the course to the requirements of the attendees.

Exertion Level

This class requires and EASY exertion level. Travel is by small coach and there are hikes of less than 10 minutes in duration (less than 1 km) on well-graded terrain in the foothills of the Pyrenees.

Objectives

You will learn to:

  1. Evaluate the different types of hydrogen and the origins of natural hydrogen.
  2. Characterise the strategies for the exploration of natural hydrogen.
  3. Clarify and organize the different technical steps of a natural hydrogen exploration programme.
  4. Appraise the geological, geochemical and geophysical tools that can be used for natural hydrogen exploration.
  5. Assess the co-production of natural hydrogen with geothermal resources, Helium and the mining industry.
  6. Assess the techno-economic evaluation of natural hydrogen.

Basin-Scale Stratigraphy (Source-to-Sink): Basins of the Pyrenean Foreland, Spain (G117)

Tutor(s)

Rene Jonk: Director, ACT-Geo Consulting and Training; Honorary Professor, University of Aberdeen.

Overview

Well-exposed outcrops of the Pyrenean Foreland Basin (PFB) in northern Spain offer a unique opportunity for source-to-sink analyses across thrust and foreland basin settings. This course demonstrates regional linkages of continental to marine environments and teaches fundamentals of play-scale reservoir, source and seal mapping and prediction. We utilize 3D outcrop models, detailed biostratigraphic data and subsurface examples to enhance learning through making maps and predictions. The course presents sequence stratigraphic models across continental, shelfal and deep-water settings in order to understand the external controls on sediment flux from the proximal to distal environments.

Duration and Logistics

A 6-day field course, based in the Pyrenees, with the itinerary dependent on the technical objectives of the group and timeframe. 60-80% of the time will be spent in the field, making active observations and undertaking field exercises, in combination with some classroom exercises and lectures as well as the option for viewing core.

Level and Audience

Intermediate. The course is specifically designed for reservoir engineers, geologists and geophysicists interested in analysing a range of clastic reservoir types from a variety of depositional settings. The field course will examine the reservoir attributes of a wide range of sand-prone deposits focusing on the reservoir quality and property distribution as well as larger scale correlation and gross architecture of distinct stratigraphic units. In addition, play-scale prediction of reservoir, source and seal elements will be covered and play-based evaluation techniques will be discussed and practiced.

Exertion Level

This class requires an EASY exertion level. Access to the outcrops is easy with many being road cuts. The longest walk is approximately 3 km over scrubby land. The field area sits at an altitude of up to 1000 m and the weather can be warm with daily highs over 25 degrees Celsius.

Objectives

You will learn to:

  1. Review facies associations in siliciclastic depositional systems.
  2. Predict external controls on sediment flux from continent to basin.
  3. Study the effects of compressional tectonics and the interaction of tectonics and sedimentation.
  4. Assess proximal to distal environments of deposition (EoD) and link them in space and time.
  5. Employ sequence stratigraphic models to continental, shelf and deep-water settings.
  6. Build stratigraphic frameworks across various scales and EoD.
  7. Predict occurrence of basin-scale play elements.
  8. Place local interpretations into regional context for predictions away from well control.
  9. Examine where sediment is stored in shelf environments, as well as when and how sediment is transported to deep water.

Reservoir Characterization and Subsurface Uncertainties in Carbon Stores, Cheshire, UK (G578)

Tutor(s)

Richard Worden: Professor in the Department of Earth Ocean and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, UK.

Overview

This course will give participants the opportunity to see some of the rocks at outcrop that are planned UK CO2 storage sites and to analyze the associated range of subsurface challenges. Visiting these outcrops will allow subsurface geoscientists, who generally use logs and limited core to build models, the opportunity to see the larger and smaller scale architecture and heterogeneity of the rocks they are working on and to consider the key processes of injectivity, migration and trapping of CO2. The course will also discuss post-depositional changes to sandstones, including petrophysical and geomechanical property evolution (pre- and post-CO2 injection), and some of the risks (migration and leakage) associated with developing saline aquifers and depleted gas fields as CO2 storage sites in these sandstones.

Duration and Logistics

A 5-day field course comprising a mix of field activities with classroom lectures and discussions. Transport will be by bus.

Exertion Level

This class requires an EASY exertion level. Field locations are mainly relatively easy walks of less than 1km (0.6 mile) along paths from road access points, although there is some walking down and up gentle slopes. One outcrop involves a 6km (3.7 miles) round trip walk over an intertidal sandflat.

Level and Audience

Intermediate. This course is intended for geoscience and engineering professionals working in CCS projects, especially those with an active interest in the Triassic Bunter/Sherwood Sandstones.

Objectives

You will learn to:

  1. Appraise the main depositional and diagenetic features that influence Triassic Sandstone (Bunter/Sherwood) reservoir properties and CCS reservoir development and likely performance.
  2. Validate the CO2 storage volumetrics from the micro (pore-scale) to the macro (aquifer volumes).
  3. Predict CO2 flow away from injector wells controlled by permeability and aquifer architecture with reference to injection rates and subsurface pressure.
  4. Assess the range of effects that CO2 can have on the host aquifer, from geomechanical to geochemical.
  5. Create plume migration models with respect to compartmentalization risk, pressure barriers, faults and fractures.
  6. Assess the role of top-seal and fault-seal properties and how they will influence CO2 storage, from risk of fracking, or induced seismicity, to mineral dissolution.

Building a Reservoir Model, Pembrokeshire, UK (G055)

Tutor(s)

Mark Bentley: TRACS International Consultancy and Langdale Geoscience.

Overview

This course offers a software-independent view on the process of reservoir model design and simulation model-building, addresses the underlying reasons why some models disappoint and offers solutions that support the building of more efficient, fit-for-purpose models. The thread through the week is a model design for the notional ‘Pembroke Field’ – a synthetic field constructed from reservoir analogue outcrops in South Pembrokeshire.  The Pembroke Field contains three contrasting reservoir types: continental clastics, shallow marine deltaics and naturally fractured carbonates, in both structurally deformed and undeformed settings. Data from producing oil and gas fields has been scaled to the synthetic models to create a realistic hydrocarbon field accumulation, ready for development.

Objectives

You will learn to:

  1. Create a fluid-sensitive conceptual model for a heterogeneous reservoir, built from a selection of elements and placed in a realistic architectural framework: the “sketch”.
  2. Guide the use of geostatistical tools intuitively, balancing deterministic and probabilistic components with awareness of the limits of the tools.
  3. Select appropriate methods for modeling of matrix properties, including the handling of net (cut-off’s vs total property modeling).
  4. Evaluate options for multi-scale modelling and the possible need for multi-scale approaches based on hierarchical understanding of Representative Elementary Volumes (REV).
  5. Understand issues surrounding permeability modeling and why this differs from the handling of other properties.
  6. Learn a rule of thumb (“Flora’s rule”) to help assess what level of static model detail matters to flow modeling and forecasting.
  7. Review how to use well test analysis to constrain models.
  8. Review options for model-based uncertainty handling (base case led, multi-deterministic scenarios, multi-stochastic ensembles), learn how to post-process the results and how to select an appropriate workflow which minimizes impact of behavioral bias.

Exertion Level

This class requires an EASY exertion level. Field stops require short walks along coastal paths, beaches and wave cut platforms. The longest walk is <5km (3 miles). Field stops are all at approximately sea level and some are tide dependent. Transport will be by coach.This class requires an EASY exertion level. Field stops require short walks along coastal paths, beaches and wave cut platforms. The longest walk is <5km (3 miles). Field stops are all at approximately sea level and some are tide dependent. Transport will be by coach.

Level and Audience

Intermediate. The course is aimed at geoscientists with knowledge of reservoir modeling software, petrophysicists who provide input to static reservoir models and reservoir engineers involved in simulation work who deal with the static-dynamic interface on a regular basis. The course is also of benefit to team leaders who wish to have a deeper understanding of the principles behind modeling and how to QC models made by others.

Duration and Logistics

7 days; a mix of field work (70%), and classroom exercises (30%).

Modern and Ancient Tide- and Wave-influenced Depositional Systems: Subsurface Uncertainties in Shallow Marine Reservoirs, SE England, UK (G070)

Tutor(s)

Howard Johnson: Shell Professor of Petroleum Geology, Head of the Petroleum Geoscience and Engineering Section, and Director of Petroleum Geoscience, Imperial College London.

Overview

Tide- and wave-influenced marginal marine hydrocarbon reservoirs offer a range of subsurface interpretation and development challenges. This course will use both modern and ancient systems to analyze the architecture, internal characteristics, distribution and reservoir quality of a variety of sand-dominated deposits. Modern deposits of the North Norfolk coastline will be used to explore the range of depositional processes operating and the resultant spatial distribution and internal attributes of potential reservoir units. These will be compared with Lower Cretaceous outcrops preserving a range of tidal-influenced and marine embayment deposits. Focus will be placed on the key development challenges in these marginal marine clastic systems.

Duration and Logistics

A 5-day field course comprising a mix of fieldwork, classroom lectures and practical sessions. Classroom learning and field observations will be supported and reinforced by exercise work. The course will be based in Hunstanton with easy access to the coastal field area. Transport will be by coach.

Level and Audience

Intermediate. The course is intended for geologists and reservoir engineers with a knowledge of petroleum geoscience who are working on marginal marine reservoir systems, particularly those preserving evidence of tidal influence.

Exertion Level

This field course requires an EASY exertion level. The first field day is in a quarry at Leighton Buzzard and involves a walk of about 2km (1.25 miles) to the main quarry face. The remaining field locations on the Norfolk coast are accessed by walks of less than 3.5km (2 miles) along flat sandy beaches and tidal channels that may be muddy and slippery in parts.

Objectives

You will learn to:

  1. Interpret the depositional processes and environments that occur in fluvial-, tide- and wave-influenced clastic coastal depositional systems and relate these to the recognition of their ancient equivalents.
  2. Relate individual modern environmental systems to the larger regional-scale, including modern and ancient marine embayment and coastal barrier systems.
  3. Consider the range of geological controls on the reservoir architecture of clastic coastal deposits and relate this understanding to prediction of reservoir sand presence, geometry and rock properties.
  4. Analyze shallow marine sands in outcrop, with particular focus on internal heterogeneity, including potential permeability barriers and baffles.
  5. Assess the broader scale outcrop setting, in terms of the basinal depositional framework and use this understanding to inform prediction of reservoir distribution.
  6. Place clastic coastal depositional systems into their sequence stratigraphic significance, including addressing reservoir occurrence in transgressive and regressive settings.
  7. Use the modern and ancient examples discussed in the classroom and observed in the field to consider implications for exploration and development, particularly with regards to the subsurface reservoirs of the North Sea.

Progressive Deformation in the Arbuckle and Wichita Mountains: Implications for Mid-Continent and Resource Plays, Oklahoma (G083)

Tutor(s)

Kevin Smart: Manager, Earth Science Section, Space Science and Engineering Division, Southwest Research Institute.

David Ferrill: Institute Scientist, Space Science and Engineering Division, Southwest Research Institute.

Overview

This field seminar will explore natural deformation in Paleozoic rocks in and around the Wichita and Arbuckle uplifts in southern Oklahoma. Investigating mechanical stratigraphy and the regional tectonic setting provides the context for understanding deformation features, such as joints, shear fractures, folds, faults and stylolites. Outcrop observations will be tied to the deformation conditions under which they developed, and related to the subsurface (cores, logs and stress data), to illustrate the critical importance of understanding deformation in the subsurface, including both pre-existing natural deformation and as analogs for deformation produced by induced hydraulic fracturing.

Duration and Logistics

A 5-day field course, comprising a mix of field exercises (85%) and classroom work (15%). The course will start in Lawton, Oklahoma, and end near Ardmore, Oklahoma.

Level and Audience

Intermediate. The course is aimed at geoscientists, petrophysicists, reservoir engineers and production engineers working in mechanically layered, deformed rocks in Oklahoma or other relatively gently deformed sedimentary foreland basins. It will be of particular interest to any geoscientists, petrophysicists and engineers working in unconventional reservoirs, including those in the Anadarko Basin.

Exertion Level

This course requires an EASY exertion level. Fieldwork is in southern Oklahoma, where the climate can be variable according to the season. Transportation is by SUVs. Most driving is on black-top roads, and most outcrops are adjacent to roads or within inactive quarries with uneven ground, where long strenuous hikes are not needed to access the exposures.

Objectives

You will learn to:

  1. Identify small-scale deformation features that are common in the SCOOP/STACK plays of the Anadarko basin and other unconventional reservoirs.
  2. Interpret stress conditions and stress evolution from small-scale deformation features.
  3. Characterize mechanical stratigraphy based on lithostratigraphy and rock strength information.
  4. Relate deformation styles to the tectonic setting of southern Oklahoma.
  5. Assess the role of mechanical stratigraphy, stress conditions and pre-existing deformation features on rock behavior, including fracture prediction in unconventional and conventional reservoirs.
  6. Consider, in general terms, the behavior of lithological units under different well completion strategies.
  7. Evaluate geomechanical issues for common petroleum and unconventional resource applications such as well design, borehole stability and hydraulic fracturing.

Modeling and Development Planning in Carbonate Reservoirs, Provence, France (G034)

Tutor(s)

Mark Bentley: TRACS International Consultancy and Langdale Geoscience.

Overview

Using analogue outcrops in the Luberon and Cassis area of southern France, this course develops workflows for static and dynamic modeling in carbonate reservoirs, covering in particular the issues of conceptual reservoir characterization, the handling of scale and the representation of fracture detail in cellular models. The analogue section chosen is a direct analogue for Shuaiba/Kharaib Middle East reservoirs, including high and low energy areas of rudist platforms, inner and outer shelves, and chalks. The modeling principles are transferable to other carbonate environments.

Duration and Logistics

7 days; field activities and exercises (100%); the outdoors will be used as a classroom.

Level and Audience

Advanced. A course for technical professionals working in integrated teams who are planning development activities in carbonate reservoirs (reservoir engineers, geoscientists, petrophysicists) and all involved in reservoir and simulation modeling.

Exertion Level

This class requires an EASY exertion level. Provence is quite comfortable in the late summer to fall, with temperatures of 10-25°C (50-80°F) and occasional rain showers. The field locations are all easily accessible requiring only a short walk from the transport. The longest walk is approximately 0.5km (0.3 mile) along a road section. There will be one boat trip (weather dependent) to view key cliff exposures that can only be seen from offshore (1-2 hours duration).

Objectives

You will learn to:

  1. Describe a carbonate reservoir in terms of essential reservoir elements and the architectural arrangement of those elements.
  2. Evaluate reservoir property distributions for those elements in a form suitable for input to static/dynamic reservoir modeling.
  3. Judge the scale at which a static/dynamic modeling exercise should be conducted, including any need for multi-scale modeling.
  4. Prepare rules of thumb for effective property modeling in carbonates at a range of scales.
  5. Assess fracture systems in carbonates and explain the options for modeling them (explicit DFN vs implicit effective properties).
  6. Apply the concept of representative elementary volumes (REV) to fractured and unfractured carbonates.
  7. Discuss optimal development planning for an oil reservoir based on the outcrops seen during the course.
  8. Catch up with current research activities in carbonate reservoirs.

Reservoir Characterization of Deepwater Systems: Ross Formation, County Clare, Ireland (G023)

Tutor(s)

Rene Jonk: Director, ACT-Geo Consulting and Training; Honorary Professor, University of Aberdeen.

Overview

Given the high cost of exploration and development of deepwater reservoirs, it is essential to have an accurate pre-drill prediction of reservoir architecture and properties, and to integrate post-drill assessments of reservoir heterogeneity away from well penetrations. The outcrops of the Ross Formation offer a unique opportunity to observe seismic-scale exposures of a deepwater fan system with characteristics similar to the producing fields in West Africa, Brazil and the Gulf of Mexico, to name a few. The size and quality of the exposures allow the participants to observe the main building blocks of fan systems. Lobes and distributary channels can be observed from proximal to distal settings, with excellent exposures of vertical stacking and 2-D arrangements of these elements.

Duration and Logistics

A 7-day field course comprising a mix of field activities with exercises (60%) and classroom lectures with exercises (40%). Exercises emphasize practical applications and will focus on description of deepwater lithofacies, stratal geometries and recognizing key stratigraphic surfaces. The course is based in Kilkee Bay, Ireland, with participants flying in and out of Shannon, Ireland.

Level and Audience

Advanced. This course is intended for geoscientists, petrophysicists, engineers and managers who are seeking to gain a comprehensive understanding of deepwater reservoirs.

Exertion Level

This class requires an EASY exertion level. Access to the coastal outcrops is relatively easy and there will be walks of up to 2km (1.2 miles) most days, all at sea level. The longest walk on the class is approximately 3.2km (2 miles), with no ascent or descent over 50m (160 feet). Summer weather can be cool and wet, or warm and wet, with a daily temperature range of 4–24°C (40–74°F). Transport will be by van on paved roads.

Objectives

You will learn to:

  1. Interpret and map different archetypes of deepwater reservoirs using cores, well-logs and seismic lines, from exploration to production business scales.
  2. Define trap configurations and perform risk assessment for stratigraphic traps.
  3. Estimate reservoir presence risk and predict N:G.
  4. Interpret environments of deposition (EoDs) and related reservoir architecture, lithofacies associations and diversity.
  5. Evaluate reservoir geometry and connectivity in different EoDs, integrating with production data.
  6. Define depositional geometries of turbidites in seismic-scale outcrops.

Lessons from Energy Transitions: Future Integrated Solutions that Sustain Nature and Local Communities, NE England, UK (G557)

Tutor(s)

Gioia Falcone: Rankine Chair of Energy and Engineering, University of Glasgow.

Bob Harrison: Director, Sustainable Ideas Ltd.

Overview

This course considers the past and future energy transitions in the northeast of England, and their impact and legacy on the region’s industrial sector, local communities and nature conservation. It is hoped that lessons learnt from the past experiences in the region will help a sustainable energy transition. The course will cover CCS, hydrogen generation, wind and nuclear power, geothermal energy and the repurposing of legacy assets.

Duration and Logistics

A 6-day field course with site visits supported by classroom sessions. The course will be based in the town of Hartlepool, County Durham, to provide easy access to nearby coastal and inland locations.

Level and Audience

Fundamental. The course is intended for professionals working in energy transition, nature conservation and community engagement; those responsible for policy on energy and conservation matters; and energy sector investors.

Exertion Level

The course requires an EASY exertion level. Outcrops include coastal sections and inland exposures all with easy access. There will be some walks along beaches and easy paths through dunes with a maximum distance of around 5km (3 miles) or less.

Objectives

You will learn to:

  1. Describe and explain the overall potential of the region for integrated solutions with the context of the present energy transition.
  2. Characterize the locations of potential projects and explain technical factors that affect these and their feasibility.
  3. Describe how wider factors can affect feasibility of the projects including the environmental and social impacts.
  4. Evaluate strategic choices for local and regional policy makers, as well as landowners and investors.
  5. Make predictions and assessments of other regions in the UK for the potential development of similar projects.