Benefits
Geothermal Exploration
Reduce risk and unlock viable resources before committing major capital
Challenge
Derisking greenfields
Geothermal potential is expanding beyond traditional hotspots. Next generation systems and proven workflows can reveal potential resources in more places than ever, but success still depends on rigorous planning, analysis, and mitigation of subsurface uncertainty. By investing in the right subsurface work up front, you can avoid costly missteps later.
From early screening to advanced modeling and right-sized drilling programs, lower-cost diligence beats costly failure as initial resource identification and evaluation typically account for ≤9% of total project investment, yet they determine whether the remaining 91% is justified.
Solutions
At SLB, our portfolio of digital solutions and services can help you concentrate effort in the early phases to reduce uncertainty, improve economics, and increase investor confidence before major capital is committed.
Conceptual modeling
Building a conceptual geological model of the area of interest is the first step in exploration. Using available data, you must build an initial, qualitative model of geothermal potential—considering stratigraphy, lithology, structural geology, temperature distribution, heat source, hydrogeological system, recharge, and more. At SLB, our GeothermEx consulting services or Petrel™ subsurface software can assist with initial screening and model building to derisk greenfield exploration and identify next steps.
Site evaluation
After initial conceptual modeling, incorporation of additional data from geological and geophysical interpretation into modeling workflows to assess fractures, permeability, temperature evolution, and flow under different development scenarios can improve uncertainty quantification, and resource size estimation. At SLB, our digital technologies and consulting services can accelerate prospect inventory ranking, development concepts, and next steps such as exploratory drilling.
Advanced geophysical analysis
Incorporation of additional data such as: magnetotellurics, gravity, magnetics, and seismic, can sharpen structural interpretation, map lateral variations, and improve property estimation. The result is a more accurate 3D model that improves numerical simulation fidelity while reducing uncertainty. At SLB, we can assist with survey design, acquisition strategies, data processing and interpretation, to help reduce ambiguity in subsurface features and improve confidence in reservoir targets.
Exploration drilling
In geothermal applications, drilling makes up 30% to 50% of total project costs. To reduce risk and improve project outcomes, developers should take a phased approach to geothermal drilling—starting with targeted well types such as temperature gradient wells and slim holes, to capture critical data before committing to higher cost wells. At SLB, we can help you design and drill exploratory wells to inform go/no-go decisions.
Geothermal exploration services
SLB’s GeothermEx geothermal consulting services can support your project by using a combination of proprietary and industry-leading tools to objectively analyze, evaluate, and model or independently verify your location’s geothermal resource potential.
Lower exploration risk
Digital workflows to improve subsurface understanding and decrease uncertainties
Optimized investment decisions
A phased approach to analysis and data acquisition based on the cost-benefit of the investment
Trusted industry expertise
Involvement in 70% of the world’s operating projects and 8.5 GW of power brought into operation
Dive Deeper
Explore geothermal services by project stage
Geothermal development moves through distinct technical phases. Select the stage most relevant to your project to find specific services, deliverables, and case studies.
- Geothermal exploration: conceptual modeling, site evaluation, advanced geophysical analysis, exploratory drilling
- Geothermal feasibility: resource assessment, exploratory drilling,
- Geothermal field development: well design, drilling programs
- Geothermal production enhancement: production enhancement, intervention, monitoring
Featured technologies
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Petrel subsurface software
Enable discipline experts to work together and make the best possible decisions from exploration to productionEnable discipline experts to work together and make the best possible decisions from exploration to production.
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Eclipse reservoir simulator
Black oil, compositional, thermal, and streamline reservoir simulationMake more informed decisions to extract the most value from your field over its lifetime.
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Intersect simulator
The Intersect™ reservoir simulator is the industry’s leading reservoir simulation technology, complete with the physics, performance, and resolution you need for every assetThe Intersect™ reservoir simulator is the industry’s leading reservoir simulation technology, complete with the physics, performance, and resolution you need for every asset
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Visage
Finite-element geomechanics simulatorUnderstand geomechanical risks and optimize production
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions about geothermal exploration
How can a company reduce geothermal exploration risk before drilling?
A company can use a phased approach in digital workflows to model and answer critical subsurface questions at each stage before the next investment or effort is committed. These workflows start with geological interpretation, geophysical interpretation, and static subsurface modeling to assess the size and potential of a geothermal resource. More advanced workflows may then include fracture characterization, permeability sweet spot analysis, dynamic modeling, uncertainty analysis, and micro-seismic evaluation to forecast and optimize resource production.
At SLB, we offer technologies and services to support static and dynamic workflows to model the reservoir and reduce subsurface uncertainties.
What does a geothermal exploration program typically include?
A typical program includes the following, but not necessarily all elements: conceptual modeling, data analysis and initial site evaluation, geophysical data acquisition and analysis, modeling, exploratory drilling, and an overall resource assessment. SLB tailors the scope and sequencing to each project’s geology, budget, and timeline, with clear objectives and deliverables at each phase. These independent assessments help derisk investment decisions and support financing packages by aligning technical evaluation with lender expectations.
How does SLB support geothermal project financing through exploration?
SLB’s GeothermEx geothermal consulting services provides independent due diligence and resource assessments for geothermal operators, project financiers, and development banks, including: resource capacity estimation, project development risks, optimization of field development for longevity, and economic analyses. Learn more about our geothermal due diligence consulting services and geothermal resource assessment consulting services.
Is subsurface modeling essential for developing an enhanced geothermal system?
Subsurface modeling is foundational to EGS because it provides a predictive understanding of the reservoir’s thermal, hydraulic, mechanical, and chemical behavior (THMC). Unlike conventional geothermal systems that rely on naturally permeable reservoirs, EGS requires engineered fracture networks to circulate fluid through hot, impermeable rock. Accurate subsurface models help developers optimize well placement, design stimulation programs, and forecast long term heat extraction—critical for project viability and power plant design decisions. At SLB, we believe that tapping heat from engineered systems requires detailed, data driven models to guide geothermal development, minimize risks, and maximize sustainability.
What SLB technologies support subsurface modeling for EGS development?
SLB provides a suite of geothermal focused digital and simulation tools, including Petrel for integrated subsurface modeling, INTERSECT for high resolution reservoir simulation, VISAGE for geomechanical modeling, and the Delfi digital platform for unified planning and operations. These tools enable operators to build detailed conceptual models, simulate THMC behavior, and optimize EGS development strategies with confidence.
Start your exploration program with SLB
Reducing subsurface uncertainty early is the most cost-effective step a geothermal developer can take. Reach out to discuss scope, timeline, and approach for your specific site.
Discuss your exploration program