| Abstract |
Deriving geothermal energy from petroleum wells in New Zealand is in line with the government’s initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and attain carbon neutrality by 2050. It is also a pragmatic progression for coping with the depletion of petroleum reserves in Taranaki. Onshore Taranaki contains 40% of petroleum wells in New Zealand, where deep wells can access temperatures as high as 150oC + 20oC, based on estimated bottom hole temperatures (BHT), and 175-200oC based on solute chemistry. More than 20 countries have studied and considered petroleum wells as sources of geothermal energy and more countries are setting-up installations for direct heat use or power generation. The technical and economic hurdles, as well as different approaches to reservoir modelling should be considered for any petroleum to geothermal conversion. Some of the primary differences include the role of water in the reservoir; physical and geological properties including temperature, permeability, flowrates, and heat sources; surface installations; production time frames; fluid characteristics; and environmental impact. Harnessing geothermal energy from petroleum wells is at the nexus of two mature energy-related industries in New Zealand, with the requisite local expertise and international connections, so there is a high likelihood that such initiatives can progress in Taranaki from concept to working reality in a few years. |