Reactive Transport Modelling for Long-Term Performance Assessment of Geothermal Reservoirs

Abstract

Reactive transport modelling provides an integrated approach for assessing the long-term performance and sustainability of geothermal reservoirs by coupling fluid flow, heat transfer, and geochemical reactions. This paper examines the application of reactive transport models to predict reservoir evolution under prolonged geothermal exploitation, with particular attention to thermal behaviour, fluid–rock interactions, mineral dissolution and precipitation, and changes in porosity and permeability. The study considers how these coupled processes influence heat recovery efficiency, pressure distribution, fracture-fluid circulation, and reservoir longevity. Reactive transport modelling also enables the assessment of thermal decline, chemical alteration, scaling, and potential clogging of flow pathways that may reduce geothermal productivity over time.
Furthermore, integrating reactive heat-transfer approaches with reservoir-scale simulations can improve understanding of heat extraction and support more efficient geothermal energy recovery. The paper highlights the importance of uncertainty analysis, field-data integration, and advanced numerical techniques for improving long-term predictions. Overall, reactive transport modelling offers a valuable framework for optimizing geothermal reservoir management, identifying potential performance limitations, and supporting the sustainable development of geothermal energy resources.