Introducing
Irene Wallis, PhD
Specialist in borehole image interpretation, advanced fracture analysis, and geomechanics for geothermal and natural hydrogen projects.
Backstory
Since transitioning from mining to geothermal, Dr Wallis has accumulated more than 15 years of experience in medium- and high-temperature resources in New Zealand, Chile, USA, Djibouti, Indonesia, Iceland, and the Philippines. Her experience is broad and interdisciplinary, having been a technical contributor, team leader, and advisor on a range of resource evaluation and development projects. She completed doctoral research into the geologic controls on hydrothermal fluid flux from sub-meter to kilometre scale. Her open-source contributions include borehole image analysis and geomechanics tools, reservoir engineering workflows, and Python training. Since 2023, Dr Wallis has focused on borehole image interpretation and geomechanics consulting, completing a range of projects in geothermal and natural hydrogen resources.
Clients
Its been my pleasure to complete a wide range of borehole image and geomechanics projects since 2023 that support client goals. Below are some highlights.
Medco Energi & Ormat
Geothermal Development
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Reviewed six existing borehole image interpretations for the Kawah Wurung (Ijen) Geothermal System, and undertook full field integration of these data. Geomechanical modelling to determine azimuths of tectonic stresses and the influence of stress on fracture permeability.
Landsvirkun
Geothermal Development
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Review of 11 acoustic borehole images with existing interpretations and reservoir-scale integration of these data. Collaborated with Dr Drew Siler (Geologica Geothermal Group) to conduct a multi-scale geomechanical modelling project that revealed geologic controls on permeability at Þeistareykir Geothermal System.
AltaRock
Engineered Geothermal System Exploration
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Reinterpretation of an acoustic borehole image that was acquired in 2010 at Newberry. The project applied recent advances in interpretation techniques and advanced fracture analysis to generate new insight.
Ormat
Geothermal Development
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In-person training, followed by on-going mentoring. Aided staff during interpretation of acoustic and microresistivity images that were acquired in five US Basin and Range exploration projects. Conducted geomechanical modelling for selected projects.
Supreme Energy
Geothermal Development
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Wellsite Geology Advisor for drilling at Rantau Dedap. During this project I reviewed 17 existing microresistivity borehole image interpretations, undertook targeted reinterpretation, and integrated results with geologic and reservoir engineering data to generate resource insight. Borehole image interpretation training and mentoring also provided.
Gold Hydrogen
Hydrogen Exploration
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Interpretation of microresistivity borehole images acquired in Ramsay-1 and Ramsay-2, with advanced analysis of fracture porosity. Collaboration with Dr Andy Wilson, ImageStrat.
HyTerra
Hydrogen Exploration
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Interpretation of acoustic and microresistivity borehole images in two wells, with advanced facture analysis that focused on secondary porosity and unravelling tectonic overprinting. Collaboration with Dr Andy Wilson, ImageStrat.