Geothermal Energy: Power Potential of Hot Water from Oil Wells in Niger Delta, Nigeria

Onovughe, Elvis V.^1
1 Physics/Geophysics, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

The need for generation of low cost constant electricity cannot be over emphasized. Due to the epileptic power supply in the Niger Delta in particular & Nigeria in general, it has become necessary to explore other sources of electricity which lead to cheaper production costs & higher income.

Applying geothermal technology to produce electricity during oil production is a new technology that could potentially decrease the amount spent on generators & power stations.

The focus of this paper is on the use of geothermal energy to power oil field production equipment by producing commercial electricity. Many wells in the Niger Delta produce hydrocarbons as well as hot water. These wells which in general produce fluids with temperature below 220F have been estimated of capable of generating as much as 5000MW of electrical power.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90090©2009 AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition, Denver, Colorado, June 7-10, 2009