--> Combination Of Geothermal Heating Systems In Operating Commercial Oil & Gas Wells/Location In (The Vicinity Of) Urban Environment

AAPG European Region, Geothermal Cross Over Technology Workshop, Part II

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Combination Of Geothermal Heating Systems In Operating Commercial Oil & Gas Wells/Location In (The Vicinity Of) Urban Environment

Abstract

NAM operates several production locations in the West Netherlands where hydrocarbon and geothermal concessions overlap. The combination of geothermal energy production with oil/gas development can be straightforward here: the same reservoir sands are targeted for both oil/gas and geothermal production. NAM production locations are often located in the vicinity of heat-infrastructure that delivers (low enthalpy) heat to the urban environment and greenhouse farms. NAM is envisioning the transformation of onshore gas locations into integrated onshore energy hubs by combining new energy developments with the existing infrastructure and locations. Geothermal synergies at different levels, from sharing drilling locations to developing entire geothermal fields, were investigated to demonstrate the value of integrating geothermal elements within hydrocarbon projects. Geothermal synergies can contribute towards a renewable future by unlocking the remaining value of the hydrocarbon portfolio on one side, while kick starting the development of a new energy businesses for NAM on the other side. The combination will also help to improve the maturity of the geothermal sector by implementing safety standards and project management knowledge from the oil and gas industry. While geothermal synergy opportunities are investigated, challenges also arise: Can you host an external operator on your site? Re-use old wells, who is liable for the integrity issues? Earth tremors: who is causing it? “Greenwashing” or “Brownwashing” image of projects? These challenges are becoming more relevant as more projects will develop within the next years in overlapping concession areas. Can we work together? Where do perspectives differ and how do we best synergize?