Elements of Energy Geology – Basin Analysis & Subsurface Energy Storage

Disciplines
Geoscience
Category
Petrophysics • Subsurface • Mapping • Foundational • Exploration • Carbon Capture Utilization & Storage (CCUS) • Reservoir Characterization • Geophysics
Format
Classroom • Live Online 
Available
Public • Private 

Who Should Attend

Geologists, geophysicists, & engineers who are interested in learning about energy geology (the basics to advanced topics).

Description

Energy sustains civilization. This course will review the processes critical to the formation, accumulation, occurrence of geologically based energy resources. The energy transition from carbon-based energy to other types of energy is emphasized. This course is appropriate for those wanting a comprehensive understanding of important aspects of energy geology, i.e., petroleum, coal, gas hydrates, geothermal, hydrogen, helium, uranium, etc. A Systems Approach is used to discuss energy types. Many elements of energy geology are important for people working in the energy industry. Utilization of Carbon and other Energy Gases (CCS and CCU) is emphasized.

Exercises are interspersed with lectures to emphasize learning outcomes. We will build on your existing geological knowledge (particularly petrology, stratigraphy and structural geology) and engineering backgrounds to enhance your professional growth in those areas of geology, geophysics and engineering related to petroleum exploration and development.

Learning Outcomes

The participant will become familiar with elements of energy geology (i.e., source, reservoir, seal). This includes petrophysics (log analysis), subsurface pressure analysis (including hydrodynamics), DST analysis, subsurface water analyses, and subsurface mapping and correlation techniques.

Course Content

The course will be centered around the concept of Energy Systems. The course will use a system approach and describe system elements (source, reservoir, seal, and overburden rocks) and processes (generation, migration, entrapment, and preservation). We will examine a) those basic factors that control generation, migration, and accumulation; b) procedures used to discover and produce those energy types; c) data collection and interpretation techniques; d) the roles and skills required of exploration and development professionals, and e) the worldwide occurrence of energy types of deposits.

  • Source, Seal, Generation, Migration
  • Introduction & world resources
  • Sedimentary basins, plate tectonics
  • Energy systems
  • Energy Traps
  • Utilization of Carbon and other Energy Gases (CCS and CCU)
  • Reservoir rocks, reservoir heterogeneity
  • Fractured reservoirs
  • Porosity and permeability
  • Formation evaluation
  • Exploration Concepts for Energy Types

In-Person

Length
3-Days

Virtual

Length
6 Half-Days

Upcoming Events

Houston

Instructor

Stephen A. Sonnenberg, PhD headshotStephen A. Sonnenberg, PhD