Summary of activities.
Throughout the reporting period, the COMPASS project has made significant strides in developing and validating technologies essential for the sustainable and cost-efficient exploitation of superhot geothermal wells. Key advancements include the development of flexible foam cements, cladding solutions, and integrated simulation models, all aimed at enhancing the performance and reliability of geothermal systems while reducing environmental impacts. Additionally, comprehensive research and public engagement efforts have been undertaken to address social acceptance challenges and improve communication strategies for geothermal energy projects.
WP2: Sustainable Well Concepts Specifications and Guidelines
Key Activities:
• Review of Deep Wells and SOA Technology (T2.1): Comprehensive review of past experiences and current technologies in deep well drilling.
• Characterizing the Environment (T2.3): Compilation of geological, thermodynamic, and chemical data for geothermal wells.
Main Achievements:
• Created a repository of technical insights.
• Defined key performance indicators (KPIs) for well construction.
WP3: Thermal Stress Mitigation Solutions
Key Activities:
• Flexible Foam Cement Development (T3.1): Innovative solutions designed to withstand high temperatures and pressures.
• APB Relief Development (T3.2): Solutions to mitigate annular pressure build-up.
Main Achievements:
• Developed and tested prototypes of flexible foam cements.
• Identified mechanisms for APB relief, enhancing well safety.
WP4: Cost-Effective Cladding
Key Activities:
• Cladding Solution Development (T4.1): Laser cladding techniques using nickel alloys.
• Hardware Deployment (T4.2): Procurement of a bespoke cladding machine.
Main Achievements:
• Developed effective cladding parameters.
• Achieved precision in cladding application for robust corrosion protection.
WP5: Integrated Well Design and Decision Support
Key Activities:
• Cement Placement and Hydration Models (T5.1 T5.2): Models to simulate cement placement under high temperatures.
• Wellbore Modelling (T5.3 T5.4): Simulations predicting well integrity and thermal fatigue.
Main Achievements:
• Enhanced simulation tools for reliable well design.
• Comprehensive models supporting well construction and maintenance decisions.
WP6: Technology Verification and Validation
Key Activities:
• Small-Scale Testing (T6.1): Preparation for testing well components.
• Large-Scale Validation (T6.2) and Corrosion Testing (T6.3): Discussions for validating casing systems and corrosion resistance.
Main Achievements:
• Progressed small-scale integrity testing.
• Established preliminary protocols for corrosion testing.
Work Package 7 (WP7) – Social, Environmental, and Economic Life-Cycle Assessment
Key Activities:
Addressing the NIMBY Syndrome (COSVIG and GEORG): Conducted research to address the NIMBY syndrome in Europe and globally by analyzing existing experiences and studies. Partners discussed research boundaries, sources of information, geothermal technology, and geographic coverage.
Communication and Public Engagement: Focused on communicating geothermal geoscience to improve public acceptance and support policy making. Launched a Facebook page in Italian to communicate updates on geothermal energy to non-technical audiences and initiated a press campaign.
