Geothermal Drilling – Collaborative and Holistic Applications Specific Solutions Drive Consistent Improvements in Drilling Efficiency and Operational Costs

Geothermal assets continue to be developed aggressively in several regions around the world, fueled by the need to develop clean sources of energy and the recognition that geothermal energy is one such source. As expected, most Geothermal projects are planned and executed using legacy oil/gas drilling systems, tools, and strategies. While effective in some instances, this approach introduces risks, limitations, and inefficiencies into the geothermal drilling process. Consequently, project cycle times and operational costs are usually higher than expected, with additional negative effects on energy production levels and efficiencies. These challenges need prompt solutions, which must be achieved through development of geothermal specific technologies and strategies. Such considerations are needed to promote drilling efficiency improvements, sustainable project cost reductions, and facilitation of expanded geothermal asset development. In support of required efforts, this paper presents structured processes that guide the interpretation and understanding of geothermal drilling applications and promote holistic development of geothermal specific solutions. The positive effects of a holistic approach and other processes on geothermal drilling, with a focus on improved efficiencies, cycle time and operational costs reductions, will be presented with supporting field data.