19 - Pragmatic steps to the revitalization of abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal applications

Abstract

This chapter aims to discuss the practical steps required for the revitalization of abandoned oil and gas wells for heat and power generation. Some basic features of abandoned oil and gas wells that qualify them for profitable geothermal applications are provided. These features are important characteristics that can facilitate quick prefeasibility assessments before detailed techno-economic and environmental feasibility studies are carried out. Next, the methods commonly applied for conducting detailed feasibility studies are highlighted, from technical, economic, and environmental perspectives. After this, viable state-of-the-art conversion technologies are discussed, for the generation of electric power or combined heat and power from abandoned oil and gas wells. Finally, existing geothermal energy projects, which utilize abandoned oil and gas wells, are succinctly reported, with emphasis on issues discussed under the preceding sections. In sum, some practical steps that could enhance techno-economic exploitations of abandoned oil and gas wells for renewable energy generation are presented in this chapter.