| Title | OPTIMIZING EGS WELL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES FOR RESERVOIR TEMPERATURE DECLINE SENSITIVITIES |
|---|---|
| Authors | Scott Hess |
| Year | 2026 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | |
| Abstract | Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) offer scalable, low-carbon baseload energy potential, but their economic viability remains highly sensitive to subsurface performance and well development strategy. This study presents a development optimization workflow designed to inform early-phase economic assessments for EGS projects. The workflow aims to minimize total system flowrate from producing wells while maximizing the blended production temperature delivered to a binary Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) power plant. As reservoir temperatures decline, individual well flowrates are proactively reduced to preserve energy density and slow thermal drawdown. System constraints such as minimum plant utilization and maximum flowrate are incorporated to guide scheduling optimization. This dynamic control approach is inspired by shale gas development—specifically the “fill-to-spill” strategy—where phased well activation enhances long-term asset value. The framework supports scenario testing during early-stage development by allowing users to evaluate the impact of different reservoir temperature decline profiles on drilling-related cost estimates and plant utilization. By inputting a range of thermal decline type curves, users can explore how subsurface cooling rates affect the number of wells needed to sustain minimum performance thresholds. This enables rapid comparison of development pathways and highlights economic trade-offs under varying subsurface assumptions. Results demonstrate that reservoir temperature decline profiles are a primary driver of drilling cost variability. Steeper decline scenarios lead to accelerated well turnover, while flatter curves extend well lifetimes. Flowrate and startup optimization mitigates thermal losses and parasitic pumping demands. This methodology offers a practical tool for early-stage feasibility and long-term development planning in EGS projects. |