Enhanced Geothermal Systems for Oil and Gas Engineers Training Course.

Introduction:

Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) represent a cutting-edge technology that holds great potential for sustainable energy production. EGS utilizes the Earth’s heat by enhancing the permeability of rock formations, making geothermal energy accessible even in areas that would not naturally have sufficient water or heat flow for geothermal power generation. With oil and gas engineers already skilled in subsurface technologies, this 5-day training course will provide them with a comprehensive understanding of how to apply their expertise in the development, operation, and optimization of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), along with the synergies between geothermal energy and traditional oil and gas extraction.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this training course, participants will:

1. Understand the principles and technologies behind Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS).
2. Learn how oil and gas engineering expertise can be applied to the development and operation of EGS.
3. Explore the subsurface heat reservoir management techniques and the processes involved in creating a sustainable geothermal reservoir.
4. Understand the geomechanical, geological, and fluid dynamics challenges in EGS operations.
5. Develop the knowledge to assess and manage the economic feasibility and environmental impact of geothermal projects.

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for oil and gas engineers, geologists, and professionals interested in transitioning or integrating their skills into the geothermal energy sector, including:

• Oil and Gas Reservoir Engineers
• Drilling Engineers
• Geothermal Engineers
• Geophysicists and Geologists
• Operations and Production Engineers
• Environmental and Sustainability Engineers
• Energy Transition Consultants
• Project Managers in Energy Development

Day 1: Introduction to Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS)

• Session 1: Fundamentals of Geothermal Energy
  • Overview of geothermal energy and its global potential
  • Types of geothermal systems: Conventional vs. Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS)
  • Advantages and challenges of geothermal energy compared to other renewable energy sources
• Session 2: EGS Technology Basics
  • How EGS works: Creating and maintaining an artificial geothermal reservoir
  • Key components: Wellbore drilling, fracturing, and heat exchange systems
  • Geological prerequisites and suitability for EGS development
• Session 3: EGS vs. Oil and Gas Reservoirs
  • Similarities between oil, gas, and geothermal reservoir management
  • Challenges in heat extraction vs. hydrocarbon extraction
  • The role of pressure management and fluid circulation in geothermal reservoirs

Day 2: Drilling and Reservoir Development for EGS

• Session 1: Drilling Techniques for Enhanced Geothermal Systems
  • Drilling technology in EGS: Key considerations for deep wells and high temperatures
  • Drilling challenges: Hard rock formations, high-temperature environments, and fluid circulation issues
  • Wellbore integrity and casing designs in EGS
• Session 2: Hydraulic Fracturing in Geothermal Reservoirs
  • Understanding hydraulic fracturing in the context of EGS
  • Geomechanics and reservoir stimulation: Creating permeability in hot rock formations
  • Well stimulation and fracture propagation techniques
• Session 3: Reservoir Creation and Heat Exchange
  • Reservoir management: Fluid circulation, heat extraction, and sustainability
  • Creating a sustainable EGS reservoir: Fluid injection and recovery cycles
  • Monitoring reservoir performance: Temperature, pressure, and flow rate management

Day 3: Geothermal Energy Systems and Heat Conversion

• Session 1: Heat Conversion Technologies
  • Overview of geothermal power plants and heat conversion systems
  • Binary cycle vs. flash steam systems: Selection criteria and applications
  • Heat pumps and their integration with geothermal systems for heating and cooling
• Session 2: Power Generation from EGS
  • The thermodynamics of geothermal power generation
  • Efficiency of geothermal systems: Heat recovery factors and plant capacity
  • Integration of EGS with the electrical grid: Challenges and solutions
• Session 3: Environmental and Sustainability Considerations
  • Environmental impact of EGS: Water use, land use, and surface disturbance
  • Managing geothermal fluid production and reinjection
  • Sustainability practices in EGS projects: Closed-loop systems and reinjection strategies

Day 4: EGS Project Design, Feasibility, and Economics

• Session 1: Feasibility Studies for Enhanced Geothermal Systems
  • Site selection criteria for EGS projects
  • Geological surveys, well testing, and environmental assessments
  • Risk analysis and mitigation strategies for geothermal projects
• Session 2: Cost Estimation and Financial Planning
  • Capital expenditure (CapEx) vs. operational expenditure (OpEx) in geothermal projects
  • Economic considerations: Payback periods, return on investment (ROI), and financing options
  • Comparing geothermal energy economics to oil, gas, and other renewable energy sources
• Session 3: Regulatory Frameworks and Permitting
  • Regulatory standards and permitting requirements for geothermal energy development
  • Environmental and safety regulations in geothermal drilling and production
  • Government incentives and subsidies for geothermal energy projects

Day 5: Integration of EGS with Oil and Gas Operations & Future Trends

• Session 1: Synergies Between Oil and Gas and EGS
  • Leveraging oil and gas expertise in geothermal project development
  • Dual-use fields: Integrating EGS with oil and gas reservoirs for enhanced energy recovery
  • Carbon capture and storage (CCS) in conjunction with geothermal energy
• Session 2: Challenges and Innovations in EGS Technology
  • Addressing technical challenges: Reservoir longevity, scaling, and fluid chemistry
  • Innovations in drilling, fracturing, and monitoring for improved efficiency
  • Future technologies in geothermal energy: Direct use geothermal, supercritical fluids, and deep geothermal systems
• Session 3: The Future of Geothermal Energy
  • The role of EGS in the global energy transition: Scaling geothermal energy for large-scale applications
  • The integration of EGS into the energy mix alongside oil, gas, and renewables
  • Future trends and the role of oil and gas professionals in advancing geothermal technologies