| Title | DE-RISKING GEOTHERMAL PROJECTS BY RE-THINKING WELL DESIGN AND THE WELL CONSTRUCTION MINDSET |
|---|---|
| Authors | F.R. Gutterres, S. Hallundbæk, J.J.R. Cayao, W.H. Chum |
| Year | 2021 |
| Conference | New Zealand Geothermal Workshop |
| Keywords | Completions, well optimization, drilling, critical path, well design, well construction, flow control, capital expenditure |
| Abstract | To optimize well output, prevent premature failures, and extend the lifespan of geothermal wells, a new and holistic interdisciplinary approach is required in project management to ensure enhanced recovery and efficient performance become the new status quo. This paper proposes solutions that in the past could have been perceived as not economically viable; the aim is to foment discussion around the standard approach to well design and challenge ourselves to adopt a more holistic, strategic, and innovative way of planning well construction. This can be achieved by integrating data acquisition not only during appraisal stages but also within well construction and production/injection phases with permanent monitoring systems, proper material selection to mitigate structural and flow-assurance issues, and use of well engineering technological solutions rather than compartmentalizing disciplines and reducing them to so-called drilling challenges. Based on experience, but starting with zero-scope, we can begin to establish minimum requirements and identify appropriate solutions that could increase success rates with the lowest budget increment, consequently reducing overall project risk. Good practice would be to increase the involvement of geoscientists to optimize the positioning, trajectory, and quantity of wells, and this can lead to better, smarter, and more efficient decision-making to extricate some of the most challenging geothermal projects. To do this, it is crucial to ensure continuous proactive communication over the different sub-surface development stages, and not reduce any aspect to a trivial afterthought. |