Electricity Generation Potential of Co-Produced Water From Active Oil Wells in Eagleville Field, Eagle Ford Shale, Karnes and Gonzales County, Texas

Abstract

Through innovative measures, Earth’s natural resources can be used in a much more sustainable manner. In order to combat energy resource shortages, mankind should combine intellectual and financial resources towards alternative energy advancement, specifically, geothermal energy. Prime focus for geothermal energy advancement in the United States of America should be allocated towards co-produced water since previous national co-produced water estimates are between 15 to 20 billion barrels. Oil companies are now capable of using co-produced water from oil and gas fields for electricity generation instead of disposing the water into the subsurface or discharging it into the environment. There are various active oil formations within the state of Texas, but Eagle Ford Shale stands out because it is the biggest tight oil reservoir in the United States. Oil and gas wells with depths equal to 5000 feet or more are surrounded by rocks which are capable of transferring thermal energy to co-produced water. The water may encounter temperatures exceeding 176°F (80°C) upon heat transfer. Scenarios such as this would be highly conducive for electricity generation once the correct mechanisms are instituted and developed.

AAPG Datapages/Search and Discovery Article #90350 © 2019 AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition, San Antonio, Texas, May 19-22, 2019