Geothermal energy
The Houston-based energy company's first generating unit has begun producing electricity as it works toward a buildout that could eventually power nearly 1 million US homes.
With funding opportunities improving, developers and researchers are focused on shortening project learning cycles and reducing uncertainty to attract more capital and speed deployment.
The US Department of Energy has awarded more than $99 million to 21 projects that will advance geothermal development through field-scale testing of next-generation technologies and exploration drilling programs across the US.
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Flow rate is a major challenge for geothermal. However, the techniques used in shale to prevent flow localization can be applied directly to geothermal. If we can create hundreds or thousands of flowing fracture pathways around a horizontal or deviated geothermal well, then we will have truly “changed the game.” -
While CCS and CCUS become more ensconced in oil and gas energy-transition strategy, one major project has fallen short of targets. Infrared sensor technology could fill a crucial gap in halting methane leaks. And a geothermal startup gets a big vote of confidence from industry and celebrities.
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Founded in 2017, Fervo Energy is aiming to leverage multistage hydraulic fracturing technology to create more-efficient geothermal wells that will power the Internet company's data infrastructure by 2022.
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A variety of SPE resources and others are available to bring you up to speed on geothermal energy. Bob Pearson, SPE Technical Director of Projects, Facilities, and Construction, highlights several to get you started.
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Calgary-based Eavor Technologies has raised $40 million to build out geothermal systems that use horizontal-drilling technology and may someday give abandoned oil and gas fields a second act.
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Utah FORGE has completed the first highly deviated, deep geothermal well to target depth and at planned trajectory, 60 days ahead of schedule.
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A $3-million investment by a climate fund founded by TED curator Chris Anderson and an additional $2-million investment by a subsidiary of Helmerich & Payne will fund a hybrid CLG/EGS demonstration well in Texas. Drilling could begin this summer.
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The closing date for the ESP tender for the UK’s first geothermal power plant is in early February.
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The cutting-edge technological developments in geothermal are devoted to drilling into deeper, hotter, and harder rock. Oil and gas expertise and know-how holds the key to cost reduction.
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A Canadian company reports that it has drilled and completed a historic horizontal well in Saskatchewan.
