Introduction:

Water scarcity is a growing global crisis, exacerbated by climate change, population growth, and unsustainable water management practices. Traditional surface water resources are increasingly stressed, demanding innovative approaches to secure reliable and sustainable water supplies. Senergy Ltd. is at the forefront of this innovation, providing resilient water solutions through the application of cutting-edge geoscience and engineering expertise. This white paper highlights our proven capabilities in identifying and developing unconventional deep underground freshwater resources, drawing upon a successful pioneering project in a challenging Middle Eastern environment.

The Megawatershed Concept: A New Frontier in Water Exploration:

Conventional water exploration often focuses on shallow alluvial aquifers. However, vast quantities of freshwater can be trapped in deeper geological formations, often recharged by distant mountainous regions through intricate subsurface flow paths. The "megawatershed" theory posits that meltwater from high-altitude snow and rainfall can penetrate deep into fractured and porous rock layers, travelling significant horizontal distances over geological timescales. These deep aquifers can discharge as sea-bottom freshwater springs or accumulate in structurally controlled basins.

Overcoming Geological Uncertainty: A Case Study in the Middle East:

Our co-founder led a groundbreaking project in a Middle Eastern region characterized by significant geological uncertainty due to decades of conflict and limited data availability. The primary objective was to explore for deep underground freshwater resources based on the megawatershed concept and address severe drought conditions impacting the local population.

The available data was sparse, consisting primarily of:

• Limited 2D Seismic Lines (1980s vintage): Providing rudimentary structural insights.
• Recently Acquired Magnetotelluric (MT) Lines: Offering information on subsurface resistivity variations, potentially indicative of fluid content and lithology.
• Satellite Imagery: Providing a broad overview of surface features and potential recharge zones in distant mountainous areas.

A Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Resource Identification:

Faced with these challenges, a comprehensive and integrated workflow was implemented:

1. Satellite Image Interpretation: Initial analysis focused on identifying potential recharge areas in the distant mountains and mapping major structural features that could influence subsurface water flow.
2. 2D Seismic Line Interpretation and Depth Conversion: Existing seismic data was meticulously interpreted to delineate subsurface structures, identify potential reservoir horizons, and estimate their depth. Advanced depth conversion techniques were applied to transform seismic travel times into geological depths, acknowledging the inherent uncertainties.
3. Integration with Magnetotelluric (MT) Data: The interpretation of MT lines provided crucial information on subsurface resistivity. High resistivity zones could indicate resistive bedrock, while lower resistivity zones could be associated with conductive fluids like freshwater or saline water-bearing formations. Integrating MT data with seismic interpretations helped to constrain the geological model and identify potential freshwater-bearing aquifers.
4. Conceptual Geological Model Development: Based on the integrated interpretation of satellite imagery, seismic data, and MT data, a conceptual geological model of the basin was developed. This model outlined the potential pathways for deepwater migration from the recharge areas to the basin and identified potential trapping mechanisms within porous and permeable formations.
5. Seismic Sequence Stratigraphy and Lithology Prediction: Seismic sequence stratigraphy techniques were applied to the seismic data to interpret depositional sequences and identify potential reservoir and non-reservoir units. This analysis, combined with regional geological knowledge, allowed for the creation of a predictive lithology model, anticipating the types of rocks and their properties at depth.

Targeted Exploration Drilling: Validating the Conceptual Model:

The culmination of the subsurface studies was the selection of a high-potential location for a wildcat exploration well. A comprehensive well prognosis was developed, outlining anticipated lithologies, depths of potential freshwater zones, and potential drilling challenges. Crucially, pore pressure and fracture gradient predictions were made, despite the lack of deep well data in the region.

The well basis of design was developed in collaboration with an experienced drilling team, and a dedicated project team comprising drilling and subsurface experts was assembled. The drilling operation was executed efficiently, reaching a total depth of 3000 meters in a remarkable 60 days – a record for the country, where similar wells in more mature basins typically took six months. This efficiency underscored the accuracy of the pre-drilling planning and the effectiveness of the integrated team approach.

Discovery and Resource Characterization:

The wildcat well successfully intersected multiple zones containing significant volumes of freshwater. The lithological predictions made during the subsurface studies proved highly accurate, validating the integrated interpretation workflow. Furthermore, the predicted pore pressure and fracture gradient were remarkably consistent with the actual downhole measurements, demonstrating the robustness of the pre-drilling analysis.

Water samples recovered from the well confirmed the megawatershed theory. Geochemical analysis indicated that the water originated from high-altitude mountain snowmelt, having travelled through deep subsurface pathways. While suitable for irrigation, the water required desalination for potable use.

Sustainable Water Resource Development:

The success of the exploration well paved the way for a comprehensive development plan. Full-field geological and simulation models were constructed to optimize well placement and predict long-term water production. To date, four wells have been drilled in the basin, all successfully encountering freshwater resources.

A Reverse Osmosis (RO) treatment plant was established to desalinate the extracted water, which is now pumped into the drinking water system of a nearby city. This has had a profound positive impact on the region, which had been severely affected by drought and out-migration. The newfound water security has reversed migration patterns and brought renewed hope to the local communities.

A Paradigm Shift in Water Resource Development:

This project represents a significant milestone in targeted freshwater exploration. Unlike previous discoveries of deep freshwater resources, which were often accidental, this project demonstrated the feasibility of a scientifically driven approach based on the megawatershed concept and integrated geoscience techniques.

The success highlights the immense potential of deep geological formations as a source of sustainable water resources, particularly in regions facing water scarcity. These deep aquifers often hold significantly larger volumes of water compared to shallower alluvial systems and are less susceptible to surface contamination and short-term climate variability.

Senergy Ltd.: Your Partner in Unlocking Deep Water Resources:

The experience gained from this pioneering project positions Senergy Ltd. as a leader in the exploration and development of unconventional deep freshwater resources. Our expertise encompasses:

• Integrated Geoscience Interpretation: Utilising satellite imagery, seismic data (2D and 3D), magnetotellurics (MT), and other geophysical and geological datasets to build robust subsurface models.
• Megawatershed Analysis: Applying the principles of megawatershed theory to identify potential deepwater recharge zones and flow pathways.
• Seismic Sequence Stratigraphy and Lithology Prediction: Accurately predicting subsurface lithologies and reservoir characteristics.
• Pore Pressure and Fracture Gradient Prediction: Crucial for safe and efficient drilling operations.
• Well Planning and Drilling Supervision: Delivering efficient and cost-effective drilling programs.
• Hydrogeological Characterisation and Reservoir Modelling: Assessing water quality, quantity, and long-term production potential.
• Development Planning and Water Management Solutions: Designing sustainable water extraction and distribution systems.

Conclusion:

The successful exploration and development of deep underground freshwater resources in the Middle East demonstrates a paradigm shift in our approach to water security. Senergy Ltd. possesses the expertise and experience to replicate this success in other water-stressed regions globally. By applying innovative geoscience techniques and a deep understanding of subsurface hydrology, we can unlock vast, previously untapped freshwater reserves, providing resilient and sustainable water solutions for communities and industries worldwide.