Study Outlines Challenges of Repurposing Oil and Gas Wells for Geothermal Applications

Abstract

_ This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 215751, “Challenges for Repurposing Oil and Gas Wells for Geothermal Applications,” by Livio Santos, SPE, and Arash Dahi Taleghani, SPE, The Pennsylvania State University. The paper has not been peer reviewed. _ This work provides insights into the technical and economic viability of repurposing oil and gas wells for geothermal energy production for direct heating. The potential benefits—especially for areas that are highly dependent on fossil fuels for heating—and challenges of this approach are assessed, while technical, market, and policy barriers for future development are identified. Repurposing oil and gas wells for geothermal energy requires a multidisciplinary approach that involves expertise in geology, engineering, and regulatory affairs. Introduction Repurposing abandoned wells for power generation in geothermal energy projects can present challenges because of the low temperatures associated with these wells. The low temperature gradients and thermal energy available in such wells have been found to limit overall power-generation potential. The same low-temperature geothermal resources can still be used effectively, however, for community heating applications. Community heating systems have lower temperature requirements compared with those necessary for power generation and are compatible with available heat from low-temperature geothermal sources. In particular, closed-loop geothermal systems, specifically designed for community heating, offer several advantageous features. The closed-loop design ensures that the fluid remains contained within the system. These systems are environmentally compatible because they do not extract or discharge water from natural sources. Additionally, with better control over the working fluid and heat-exchange process, closed-loop systems deliver optimized system performance, energy efficiency, and cost savings. They also require less maintenance and feature lower operational risks because of the closed circuit. Closed-loop systems offer fluid-selection flexibility and streamlined regulatory compliance. Not all abandoned wells are suitable for repurposing, however. Thorough feasibility assessments and well-integrity evaluations are necessary to ensure that the abandoned well is structurally sound, has the appropriate depth and geological characteristics, and can extract geothermal heat effectively. The condition of the well casing, cementing, and any potential wellbore damage also must be evaluated. An economic analysis is performed to assess the financial viability and cost-effectiveness of the geothermal community heating system. Finally, an environmental impact assessment evaluates the environmental consequences of the geothermal community heating system.