- Integrated airborne and ground-based surveys provide subsurface information to help identify where future geothermal drilling should be focused
- Nationwide program delivered on time and within budget using passive, low-impact technologies, including Metatek’s globally exclusive eFTG system
Metatek’s integrated airborne and ground-based geophysical surveys have helped underpin Singapore’s nationwide geothermal assessment, whose preliminary findings were highlighted yesterday at Singapore International Energy Week by Singapore’s energy minister, Dr Tan See Leng.
A central objective of the work was to provide the subsurface understanding needed to help identify prospective geothermal targets and guide the selection of locations for future exploratory drilling. This represents an important step towards assessing whether Singapore’s underground heat resources could contribute to a domestic, low-carbon energy supply.
Singapore’s Energy Market Authority (EMA) announced that the initial estimate of the country’s geothermal resource potential exceeds 60 times its current annual electricity consumption of approximately 60 terawatt-hours. EMA is now proceeding with further feasibility studies to assess how this potential could be harnessed. The estimate represents technical resource potential; further investigation is required to validate the findings and determine how much energy can feasibly be extracted.
Metatek undertook geophysical data acquisition and processing as part of a consortium led by global urban and infrastructure consultancy Surbana Jurong, with energy supermajor Chevron using the processed information to develop a three-dimensional geological and heat-resource model of Singapore. The wider study assessed geothermal potential at depths of up to 10 kilometres.
The program began with airborne Enhanced Full Tensor Gravity Gradiometry (eFTG), a technology operated exclusively worldwide by Metatek, alongside magnetic surveying. These measurements provided information on subsurface density contrasts in three-dimensions and magnetic properties to support geological understanding. This was followed by ground-based magnetotelluric surveying to investigate electrical resistivity and conductivity. Together, these complementary datasets strengthened the geological understanding needed to assess geothermal potential and guide further exploration.
Singapore’s extensive built infrastructure and densely developed urban environment made the selection of appropriate surveying methods particularly important. The passive techniques used by Metatek measure naturally occurring gravitational, magnetic and electromagnetic fields to build a three-dimensional picture of the subsurface, without requiring exploratory drilling or active seismic sources during the survey itself. This low-impact approach was designed to minimise disturbance to communities, infrastructure and the natural environment.
The eFTG system’s superior resolution and wide dynamic range was a key operational advantage, enabling the team to recover geological signals despite aircraft motion in turbulent conditions. During the Singapore program, this capability allowed Metatek to acquire survey-quality data across the turbulence conditions encountered within safe, authorised flight operations, making effective use of available flying windows.
Close coordination with Singapore’s air traffic control teams enabled survey flights to be integrated successfully into the country’s busy, tightly controlled airspace. Combined with detailed planning and coordinated airborne and ground operations, this helped Metatek complete its survey program on time and within budget.
Beyond geothermal assessment, EMA’s original study brief also identified the potential use of the resulting information to assess opportunities for subsurface geological CO2 storage, demonstrating the wider value of an improved understanding of Singapore’s geology.
Dr Mark Davies, Chief Executive Officer of Metatek, said:
'Seeing the findings highlighted at Singapore International Energy Week is a proud moment for our team. The real value of this work lies in how the information is used: helping Singapore make better-informed decisions about where to drill, where to invest and how a potential domestic energy resource might contribute to its clean-energy ambitions.
'Delivering that understanding takes more than advanced technology. It takes experienced people and effective partnerships. I would like to thank EMA for entrusting our consortium with this important national program. I am also grateful to our team, our consortium partners and Singapore’s air traffic control teams for the expertise and collaboration that made it possible.'
Background
UK-based Metatek is a worldwide leader in data acquisition, processing and interpretation services for air, land and sea geophysical / geological exploration activities.
Using technology such as airborne Full Tensor Gravity Gradiometry (FTG) instruments to create 3D imaging of the sub-surface for natural resource exploration, the company is the world’s only licensed operator of the latest generations of this industry-leading technology.
Source: Metatek
