Economic evaluation of geothermal reservoir performance through modeling the complexity of the operating EGS in Soultz-sous-Forêts

•Reservoir performance of a multi-well EGS system is analyzed.•Workflow from a complex geological to a coupled numerical model is demonstrated.•Multi-well EGS have high potential for optimizing, no thermal breakthrough found. The EGS pilot project in Soultz-sous-Forêts, is now operated by an industry consortium, heading for optimal reservoir management. A 3D thermo-hydraulic numerical model, based on a complex geological model of the reservoir is presented with the goal to determine input parameter for an economic analysis, comparing reservoir management based on levelized cost of energy. Over the projected life time of 30 years no major thermal breakthrough is predicted, small temperature decline affects net energy output only negligibly. The results highlight the benefits of multi-well systems, offering a larger heat exchanger surface and higher flexibility for reservoir management.