Identification of Geothermal Resources: Utilize oil and gas exploration techniques (e.g., geological assessments, seismic imaging, well logs, and reservoir modeling) to identify hot sedimentary aquifers or formations with sufficient thermal energy.
Employ advanced drilling technologies from the oil and gas industry to drill wells into sedimentary basins, targeting hot water or brine reservoirs at depths of 1-5 km. Use casing, cementing, and other completion technologies to stabilize the wells for long-term geothermal energy production.
Extract hot water or brine from the sedimentary reservoir to the surface through production wells. In most instances, inject brine back into the reservoir via injection wells, maintaining reservoir pressure and sustainability.
Heat Transfer: Transfer thermal energy from the produced geothermal fluid to a secondary working fluid with a low boiling point in a heat exchanger. The geothermal fluid is typically reinjected after transferring its heat.
Power Generation: The working fluid, heated by the geothermal fluid, vaporizes and drives a turbine connected to an electrical generator, producing electricity. ORC systems use organic fluids (e.g., isopentane or isobutane) suited to low- to medium-temperature heat sources (typically 80–150°C).
After passing through the turbine, the vaporized working fluid is condensed back into a liquid in a cooling system (e.g., air or water-cooled condenser) and recirculated to the heat exchanger, creating a closed-loop system. Brine is reinjected to recharge and maintain pressure of the geothermal reservoir.
The geothermal power plant delivers clean, baseload power directly to industrial customers and/or to the power grid.
Leverages proven oil and gas technologies to reduce geothermal project costs and risks.
Exploits sedimentary basins that are often underutilized for geothermal energy production.
Efficiently converts low- to medium-temperature geothermal resources into usable electricity with ORC systems.
Provides a sustainable energy solution by reusing existing oil and gas infrastructure and reinjecting cooled fluids into the reservoir.
