Innovative Test Well and Technology Consortium Pioneering Baseload Geothermal Energy Transition
The Wells2Watts geothermal energy consortium is spearheading a groundbreaking initiative to repurpose decommissioned oil and gas wells into closed-loop geothermal wells, capable of generating baseload power. At the new test-well facility located within the Baker Hughes Energy Innovation Center in Oklahoma City, the consortium is conducting cutting-edge research and development to advance this transformative energy transition.
Led by Rob Klenner, director of geothermal technology and Innovation at Baker Hughes, the Wells2Watts consortium comprises four key operators – Continental Resources, INPEX, Chesapeake Energy, and California Resources Corporation. Together, they are leveraging the closed-loop test well to accelerate the development of technologies essential for scaling geothermal energy production, a crucial step forward in the global energy transition.
The closed-loop test well, commissioned in October 2023, serves as a controlled environment for simulating subsurface conditions and validating engineering models. Initial tests have showcased promising results, utilizing innovative technologies such as GreenFire Energy’s GreenLoop™ technology and ICE Thermal Harvesting’s heat-to-power system.
Jason Angolano, laboratory manager at the Baker Hughes Innovation Center, describes the test well as a unique facility capable of accurately mimicking geothermal well conditions. Through precise temperature and pressure control, the consortium can evaluate sub-surface technologies’ performance and potential applications.
One significant contributor to this pioneering initiative is Vallourec, a longstanding partner of Baker Hughes. Joe Hill, vice president of new energies North America at Vallourec, highlights the company’s vacuum-insulated tubing technology, designed to optimize geothermal efficiency. By minimizing heat loss during fluid transport, Vallourec’s THERMOCASE® VIT enhances geothermal well performance, offering a sustainable solution for energy extraction.
The Wells2Watts consortium’s collaborative approach extends beyond research and development, emphasizing real-world application and field testing. California Resources Corporation, a key consortium partner, is poised to lead the first field pilot later in 2024, leveraging its assets to demonstrate geothermal energy repurposing in Bakersfield, California.
Chris Gould, executive vice president and chief sustainability officer at CRC, underscores the company’s commitment to accelerating renewable energy solutions. The collaboration with Wells2Watts aligns with California’s ambitious carbon neutrality goals, driving tangible impact and progress towards a sustainable future.
As the consortium continues to break new ground in geothermal energy innovation, the Wells2Watts initiative exemplifies the power of collaboration and technological advancement in driving meaningful change in the energy landscape. With a shared vision for sustainable energy transition, consortium members are poised to unlock the full potential of geothermal resources, paving the way for a greener and more resilient future.
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