A comprehensive analysis of repurposing abandoned oil wells for different energy uses: Exploration, applications, and repurposing challenges

IF 5.3 Q2 ENGINEERING, ENVIRONMENTAL Cleaner Engineering and Technology Pub Date : 2024-08-22 DOI:10.1016/j.clet.2024.100797
Ajan Meenakshisundaram, Olusegun Stanley Tomomewo, Laalam Aimen, Shree Om Bade
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Abstract

The rise in abandoned oil wells across the globe poses a serious environmental and public health risk. These wells, which are frequently abandoned by defunct corporations or owing to regulatory gaps, pose substantial risks. They have the potential to leak methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and contaminate groundwater. Researchers estimate that there are between 2 and 3 million abandoned oil and gas wells in the United States. Out of these, over 117,000 wells, spread across 27 states, are classified as “orphaned”, and lack an identifiable party responsible for managing leakage or pollution risks. The escalating number of abandoned oil wells in the United States presents a dual challenge and opportunity in the realm of renewable energy. The global utilization of geothermal energy is on the rise, with approximately 72 countries harnessing this resource for various applications. About 24 of these countries generate electricity using geothermal energy through binary or flash cycle methods. The United States leads in geothermal electricity production, generating approximately 17,917 GWh annually. Global raise in geothermal energy utilization provides presents an opportunity to repurpose abandoned oil wells for geothermal energy production especially in the United States. These wells, often still possessing high temperatures and temperature gradients, can be converted into valuable geothermal resources, thus providing a sustainable energy solution and addressing the environmental hazards posed by the abandoned wells. This paper critically examines the feasibility of repurposing these wells for geothermal energy production, a strategy that offers a promising solution to both environmental hazards and the need for sustainable energy sources. Focusing on the technical, economic, and social dimensions, we present a comprehensive analysis that includes a case study of the Williston Basin in North Dakota, highlighting its potential for geothermal exploitation. Our approach employs Fourier's law of conduction to estimate the temperature at the bottom of selected wells. We address the critical challenges in this endeavor, ranging from ensuring the mechanical integrity of aging wells to navigating the economic and social implications of their repurposing. Our findings suggest that while significant challenges exist, especially in retrofitting old wells for new uses and garnering stakeholder consensus, the conversion of abandoned oil wells into geothermal energy sources is a viable and environmentally beneficial path forward. Finally representing a detailed exploration of their various potential geothermal and various applications This research contributes to the growing body of literature on sustainable energy solutions, offering practical insights and guidelines for future field implementations in the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.

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对废弃油井重新用于不同能源用途的全面分析:勘探、应用和再利用挑战
全球废弃油井的增加对环境和公共健康构成了严重威胁。这些油井经常被已倒闭的公司或由于监管漏洞而废弃,构成了巨大的风险。它们有可能泄漏甲烷这种强烈的温室气体,并污染地下水。研究人员估计,美国有 200 万到 300 万口废弃的石油和天然气井。其中,超过 11.7 万口油井分布在 27 个州,被归类为 "无主油井",没有明确的责任方来管理泄漏或污染风险。美国废弃油井数量的不断攀升为可再生能源领域带来了双重挑战和机遇。地热能的全球利用率正在上升,约有 72 个国家在利用这种资源进行各种应用。其中约有 24 个国家通过二元循环或闪速循环方法利用地热能发电。美国的地热发电量居世界首位,年发电量约为 17,917 千兆瓦时。全球地热能利用率的提高为重新利用废弃油井生产地热能提供了机会,尤其是在美国。这些油井通常仍具有高温和温度梯度,可以转化为宝贵的地热资源,从而提供可持续的能源解决方案,并解决废弃油井带来的环境危害。本文批判性地研究了将这些水井重新用于地热能源生产的可行性,这一战略为解决环境危害和对可持续能源的需求提供了一个前景广阔的解决方案。我们以技术、经济和社会层面为重点,进行了全面分析,其中包括对北达科他州威利斯顿盆地的案例研究,突出强调了其地热开发的潜力。我们的方法采用傅里叶传导定律来估算选定井底的温度。我们探讨了这项工作所面临的关键挑战,从确保老化水井的机械完整性到应对重新利用水井所带来的经济和社会影响。我们的研究结果表明,虽然存在着巨大的挑战,尤其是在改造老井以用于新用途和获得利益相关者的共识方面,但将废弃油井转化为地热能源是一条可行且有益于环境的发展道路。这项研究为不断增加的可持续能源解决方案文献做出了贡献,为未来从化石燃料向可再生能源过渡的实地实施提供了实用的见解和指导。
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来源期刊
Cleaner Engineering and Technology
Cleaner Engineering and Technology Engineering-Engineering (miscellaneous)
CiteScore
9.80
自引率
0.00%
发文量
218
审稿时长
21 weeks
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