Exploration and optimized siting of geothermal wells using a web-based spatial decision support system
a case study of the Olkaria geothermal field release_te6fzwmslng3jee5frw6tra6cy

by Daniel Waweru Mwaura, Technische Universität Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin, Martin Kada

Published by Technische Universität Berlin.

2018  

Abstract

As the world develops and economies grow, there is a commensurate rise in the demand for energy. Many current approaches of fulfilling the increased demand have led to increased pollution through emission of greenhouse gases. A lot of current research in the energy sector is therefore geared towards green and reliable energy sources. Geothermal energy production is one of the leading sources of green and reliable energy. There has been increased effort in research of finding ways of increasing the production of this energy form. The exploration and development of geothermal resources entails an intricate multidisciplinary decision making process involving diverse conflicting criteria. The nature of the analysis of data as currently carried out, leads to a protracted process before any benefits of the vast resource can be realized. Over the last decade, Geographical Information Systems (GIS) has been pivotal in data analysis and dissemination in an array of disciplines. Due to the nature of the geothermal resource exploration process, there have been numerous efforts aimed at incorporating GIS methods into the process, but the full potential is yet to be realized. This is mainly due to the steep learning curve of traditional GIS systems for many geothermal scientists. This study attempted to find a solution to this problem by evaluating the shortcomings of the traditional methods of geothermal exploration and the visualization methods employed during consequent development. It aimed at taking advantage of Decision Support Systems (DSS) in reducing the disconnect that exists between GIS and geothermal exploration by means of a Spatial Decision Support System (SDSS). The proposed solution aimed at integrating data from various sources in the geothermal scope in a Multi Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) model to produce an output that could assist geothermal scientists to locate suitable areas for priority detailed exploration. In most cases, the provision of suitability areas leads to a problem of the p [...]
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