Repurposing Oil & Gas Wells and Drilling Operations for Geothermal Energy Production

Abstract

This paper explores a market solution for Operators’ companies to compound their investments in wells, fields, and infrastructure in a low carbon world by applying improved well design, drilling and completion technologies that are adapted to a new generation of geothermal energy production systems. The paper frames challenges posed to the upstream industry by the movement to a low carbon economy, including the climate transition risks related to societal, regulatory, and capital allocation trends. It then examines the technical challenges and solutions related to repurposing oil and gas fields and wells for geothermal energy production and makes high-level recommendations for Operators interested in accessing this new market for geothermal energy - as well as satisfying Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) investors.