The model to determine the depth of geothermal wells under the dual carbon goal

Abstract

Under the Dual Carbon Goal, geothermal energy is a renewable energy source that can effectively reduce carbon emissions. However, the construction process of geothermal wells also causes carbon emissions. Therefore, geothermal energy projects need a mathematical model based on carbon emission reduction to determine the depth of a geothermal well. This model can quantify the carbon emission reductions caused by different depths of geothermal wells from the perspective of drilling rig oil consumption, drilling well water consumption, geothermal power generation, associated natural gas, etc., and can compare the most suitable depth of geothermal wells by calculation. This model reveals that geothermal gradients are a crucial parameter in determining the depth of geothermal wells based on carbon emissions. For a given scenario, a 3000 m geothermal well can achieve positive net carbon emission reduction in a shorter period (4436.6 hours) than a 2000 m geothermal well.