The Miocene extensional Pannonian Superbasin, volume 2: Geoenergy exploration: introduction

This volume, dealing with the geoenergy aspects of the Pannonian Basin, builds on the previous one which described the regional geology of this basin. For the petroleum industry the Pannonian Basin is a actually a “Superbasin” as it reached approximately 13 billion barrels of oil (equivalent) cumulative production to date. As to the yet-to-find hydrocarbon resources in this very mature basin complex, another >5 billion barrels may be found based on various estimates. The Pannonian Basin, like most Superbasins, has several source rocks, stacked reservoirs, a greater than 6-km-thick basin fill, large amounts of subsurface data, multiple operators, mature infrastructure and direct access to markets. The ongoing energy transition requires a new look at this large European basin complex. In this volume not only hydrocarbon-related but many other geoenergy aspects are addressed. Various chapters are dedicated to geothermal energy, carbon storage and sequestration, hydrogen and natural gas storage, and critical mineral exploration (including lithium, helium and natural hydrogen). In particular, the Pannonian Basin is the hottest sedimentary basin in mainland Europe, with a long history of geothermal energy usage and research. Therefore, it also provides a useful template for geothermal exploration and utilization projects in other extensional basins worldwide.