Periodic Reporting for period 1 - COMPASS (Sustainable and cost-efficient Concepts enabling green power production frOM suPercriticAl/Superhot geothermal wellS (COMPASS))
Okres sprawozdawczy: 2022-11-01 do 2024-04-30
The COMPASS project seeks to enhance the utilization of geothermal resources by drilling deeper into superhot formations. This approach increases energy output without expanding surface infrastructure, yielding 5-10 times more energy per well compared to conventional methods, and significantly reducing the number of required wells.
Addressing Well Integrity Challenges
The primary challenges involve well integrity due to extreme temperature changes and corrosive fluid chemistry. Past experiences, like those from the Iceland Deep Drilling Project (IDDP), highlight the inadequacies of current well concepts, largely adapted from oil and gas applications, for geothermal use.
Technological Innovations
Foam Cement Solutions: The project focuses on developing novel foam cement solutions suitable for high temperatures, combined with flexible couplings to reduce temperature-induced stresses and ensure well integrity.
Laser Cladding: Cost-effective laser cladding techniques using nickel are being developed to improve corrosion protection inside casing pipes.
Well Design Solutions
Enhanced well design solutions address various challenges, reducing project risks and enabling a lower levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). The new well concept facilitates cost-effective geothermal development in diverse geological settings and new regions.
Consortium Strength
The COMPASS consortium consists of major geothermal research institutes and leading industry players, ensuring effective knowledge sharing and seamless technology transfer, complemented by significant citizen engagement.
Addressing Well Integrity Challenges
The primary challenges involve well integrity due to extreme temperature changes and corrosive fluid chemistry. Past experiences, like those from the Iceland Deep Drilling Project (IDDP), highlight the inadequacies of current well concepts, largely adapted from oil and gas applications, for geothermal use.
Technological Innovations
Foam Cement Solutions: The project focuses on developing novel foam cement solutions suitable for high temperatures, combined with flexible couplings to reduce temperature-induced stresses and ensure well integrity.
Laser Cladding: Cost-effective laser cladding techniques using nickel are being developed to improve corrosion protection inside casing pipes.
Well Design Solutions
Enhanced well design solutions address various challenges, reducing project risks and enabling a lower levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). The new well concept facilitates cost-effective geothermal development in diverse geological settings and new regions.
Consortium Strength
The COMPASS consortium consists of major geothermal research institutes and leading industry players, ensuring effective knowledge sharing and seamless technology transfer, complemented by significant citizen engagement.
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.
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.
The COMPASS project has achieved significant milestones and delivered substantial results with potential far-reaching impacts on geothermal energy exploitation. The project's key results and potential impacts are as follows:
Improved Reliability and Performance
• Well Integrity: Enhanced well construction reliability through better predictability in design and material selection.
• Energy Production: Reliable technologies for accurate planning and consistent energy production.
Reduced Environmental Impact
• Well Completion: Advanced strategies ensuring well integrity and reducing groundwater contamination risks.
• Sustainable Exploitation: Fewer wells needed due to higher energy output, reducing environmental footprint.
• Circularity Potential: Re-use and repurposing of geothermal wells at the end of their economic life.
Reduced Seismicity Risks
• Seismicity Management: Techniques to reduce mass extraction rates while maintaining energy production, potentially lowering induced seismicity.
Increased Citizen Engagement
• Engagement Methodology: Guides for socio-economic communications, enhancing citizen engagement and acceptance.
• Social Media Campaigns: Dedicated Facebook page and press campaign to improve public understanding.
Economic Impacts and Cost Reductions
• LCOE Tools: Developed tools for calculating financial parameters, aiding in economic evaluation.
• Patenting Efforts: Filed patents for innovative technologies to protect and commercialize project innovations.
• Exploitation Strategy: Strategic workshops refining IPR management and market adoption.
Key Needs for Further Uptake and Success
• Further Research and Demonstration: Continuous research to validate and enhance technologies.
• Market Access and Finance: Strategies to improve access for large-scale deployment.
• Commercialisation and IPR Support: Strengthening IPR framework and commercialization support.
• Regulatory Framework: Developing supportive regulatory and standardization frameworks.
Improved Reliability and Performance
• Well Integrity: Enhanced well construction reliability through better predictability in design and material selection.
• Energy Production: Reliable technologies for accurate planning and consistent energy production.
Reduced Environmental Impact
• Well Completion: Advanced strategies ensuring well integrity and reducing groundwater contamination risks.
• Sustainable Exploitation: Fewer wells needed due to higher energy output, reducing environmental footprint.
• Circularity Potential: Re-use and repurposing of geothermal wells at the end of their economic life.
Reduced Seismicity Risks
• Seismicity Management: Techniques to reduce mass extraction rates while maintaining energy production, potentially lowering induced seismicity.
Increased Citizen Engagement
• Engagement Methodology: Guides for socio-economic communications, enhancing citizen engagement and acceptance.
• Social Media Campaigns: Dedicated Facebook page and press campaign to improve public understanding.
Economic Impacts and Cost Reductions
• LCOE Tools: Developed tools for calculating financial parameters, aiding in economic evaluation.
• Patenting Efforts: Filed patents for innovative technologies to protect and commercialize project innovations.
• Exploitation Strategy: Strategic workshops refining IPR management and market adoption.
Key Needs for Further Uptake and Success
• Further Research and Demonstration: Continuous research to validate and enhance technologies.
• Market Access and Finance: Strategies to improve access for large-scale deployment.
• Commercialisation and IPR Support: Strengthening IPR framework and commercialization support.
• Regulatory Framework: Developing supportive regulatory and standardization frameworks.