| Title | NEW ZEALAND’S PATHWAY TO SUPERCRITICAL GEOTHERMAL ENERGY USE: MOVING FORWARD TO EXPLORATION DRILLING |
|---|---|
| Authors | B. Carey, M. Climo, I. Chambefort, C. Miller, A. Rae, D. Kissick, P. Bixley, R. Winmill |
| Year | 2021 |
| Conference | New Zealand Geothermal Workshop |
| Keywords | supercritical geothermal energy, strategic approach, renewable energy, green hydrogen, exploratory geothermal drilling, geothermal energy investment, regulatory framework, supercritical, well design, Geothermal: The Next Generation (GNG) |
| Abstract | Where is the best location to drill Aotearoa New Zealand’s first supercritical geothermal exploratory well? The answer will soon be needed in working to define New Zealand’s supercritical geothermal energy opportunity and to advance exploratory supercritical geothermal well drilling. Early supercritical projects are expected to have long lead times, thus additional research and inquiry should be embarked upon now to ensure future supercritical geothermal developments can align with New Zealand’s low carbon economy and energy sector aspirations. Sector-wide roll out of supercritical geothermal operations ideally needs to occur before 2050. Working backwards, pilot and scale up demonstration of supercritical energy production would be needed by about 2040, and thus, the first exploration wells need to be drilled by 2030 or soon after. This paper outlines preparatory and pre-planning work for drilling a supercritical exploration well. Unknowns include drilling location, well design, drillability, fluid handling, appropriate surface facilities for energy transformation, consenting and more. Traditionally large geothermal operations would have an electricity production focus, but there may be other drivers to undertake the energy transformation, which produce carbon friendly energy. Best practice information for engagement, planning and regulatory framework, and the handling and use of supercritical fluids should be developed as part of determining if supercritical geothermal is a viable industrial energy opportunity for Aotearoa New Zealand. The aim is to advance understanding and knowledge of the nation’s supercritical geothermal potential for existing and potential new users of high enthalpy geothermal heat resources. |