Researchers Orkhan Khankishiyev, Saeed Salehi, Runar Nygaard, and Danny Rehg, affiliated with the University of Oklahoma and the University of Texas at Austin, have published a study in the journal *Geothermal Energy* that explores the economic viability of geothermal energy production in sedimentary basins. Their work aims to highlight the potential of these basins as a more cost-effective and widely applicable alternative to traditional geothermal systems in igneous rocks.
Geothermal energy, a renewable and sustainable source of power, has faced significant challenges in its widespread adoption. Traditional geothermal systems, particularly those involving super-hot enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) in igneous rocks, encounter high upfront costs and technical difficulties such as loss circulation events, material limitations under extreme temperatures, and the production of corrosive fluids. These obstacles have hindered the large-scale implementation of geothermal energy.
The researchers propose that sedimentary basins offer a promising alternative. These basins are widely distributed and exhibit temperatures suitable for geothermal applications. Moreover, the extensive experience and data accumulated from decades of oil and gas drilling in sedimentary basins can be leveraged to reduce costs associated with subsurface data gathering, well drilling, and completion. This transfer of knowledge and technology from the oil and gas industry to the geothermal sector can significantly lower the barriers to entry for geothermal energy production.
The study analyzes key parameters such as time-to-hit-temperature (THT) and cost-to-hit-temperature (CHT), which are crucial for assessing the economic viability of geothermal projects. By integrating sedimentary basin maps and underground temperature maps, the researchers have created favorability maps that identify the most strategic locations for EGS wells and other geothermal system applications across the United States. These maps provide valuable insights for investors, policymakers, and energy companies looking to develop geothermal projects in sedimentary basins.
The practical applications of this research are significant for the energy sector. By focusing on sedimentary basins, geothermal energy projects can benefit from lower investment costs and a more favorable geological environment. This approach can accelerate the deployment of geothermal systems, contributing to a more sustainable and diversified energy mix. The study’s findings can guide the strategic placement of geothermal wells, optimizing both time and cost efficiency.
In conclusion, the research by Khankishiyev, Salehi, Nygaard, and Rehg highlights the potential of sedimentary basins as a viable and cost-effective option for geothermal energy production. By leveraging existing knowledge and technology from the oil and gas industry, the geothermal sector can overcome some of its traditional barriers and contribute more effectively to the global transition towards renewable energy sources. The study was published in the journal *Geothermal Energy*, providing a valuable resource for stakeholders in the energy industry.
This article is based on research available at arXiv.