UK agents explore reuse of non-productive gas wells for geothermal

Geothermal energy has many applications (source: CeraPhi Energy)

third energy ukUK-based, a private group of onshore gas exploration and power generation companies based in North Yorkshire, England, has announced a partnership with renewable energy developer Serafi Energy.

The association aims to investigate the reuse of Third Energy’s non-productive gas wells for geothermal energy. Third draws on CeraPhi Energy’s proprietary technology and expertise to assess well reuse feasibility and commercial potential at its North Yorkshire sites.

Both companies say the results could be a game-changer for geothermal’s role in the energy transition and could have a revolutionary impact on ‘orphaned’ and advanced life wells in the UK’s onshore oil and gas sector.

Feasibility and conceptual studies for the reuse of wells will begin next month with a preliminary analysis of the MN4, KM3 and KM8 wells in the Pickering Valley under the new term manager signed with the third.

The CeraPhi team will focus on evaluating well development potential for its proprietary CeraPhiWell(TM) technology, a closed-loop downhole heat exchanger that removes heat from the subsurface for use in a variety of base load power applications. Scalable, including:

• Direct heat for agriculture
• Residential Heating/Cooling
• Downhole Green Hydrogen Production
• Incorporation of heat pumps for better heat recovery.
• Combination of heat and energy.

CeraPhiWell(TM) to eliminate the risk of geothermal energy scaling by using non-productive end-of-life oil and gas wells and demonstrate the “huge commercial potential” of energy production geothermal energy to reach 500GW At the heart of CeraPhi’s strategy. Additional geothermal energy over the next 30 years in line with the Paris Climate Agreement 2050 for carbon reduction.

CeraPhi CEO Carl Farrow noted “This is a step-change approach and is looking at the energy transition differently, using old non-productive oil and gas assets to produce clean energy and aid in the decarbonization process.

“We’ve been discussing this with Third for over nine months and it’s a great example of the transition to clean energy by an operator that can see clear benefits and wants to lead by example.”

Russell Hoare, third managing director, outlined “We have been evaluating the possibility of reusing our wells for geothermal energy and other uses for over a year, and as a continuation of the feasibility work that has already been completed, we will continue to develop Serafi is excited to participate in these specific projects with a view to creating those assets for the Net Zero of the future”.

Third Energy aims to diversify its existing power generation assets and develop new power sources in line with the UK Government’s Net Zero 2050 targets.

Farrow said, “Base load power that works in conjunction with other renewable energies such as wind and solar will make a significant contribution towards the carbon reduction target. In addition, oil and gas wells will be reused, plugging and abandonment obligations and represents a new tool for managing liabilities”.

“Geothermal energy generation is just the use of heat and heat is everywhere. We know from oil and gas that the deeper you dig, the hotter it gets, so you can get to the right temperature anywhere.”

Fuente: Company released by email