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Utilization of existing hydrocarbon wells for geothermal system development: A review

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  • Jello, Josiane
  • Baser, Tugce

Abstract

This review focuses on repurposing abandoned hydrocarbon (oil and gas) wells for the geothermal system development. There are approximately three million abandoned wells in the United States alone, and these wells emit alarming amounts of greenhouse gases and pose serious health hazards. These issues can be addressed by repurposing abandoned wells for the utilization of geothermal energy systems, leading to an increase in the number of geothermal systems deployments. Despite this potential, there are only a few numbers of installations of a geothermal system converted from hydrocarbon wells. Therefore, this study presents a comprehensive review on the current status of abandoned wells, potential risks to environment and human health they pose, and available feasibility and pilot studies on repurposing oil and gas wells for geothermal system development. The challenges, opportunities, and pathways to improve the current understanding of repurposing wells are presented in detail. Utilization of existing wells for an advanced geothermal energy storage system development for flexible energy generation is proposed.

Suggested Citation

  • Jello, Josiane & Baser, Tugce, 2023. "Utilization of existing hydrocarbon wells for geothermal system development: A review," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 348(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:348:y:2023:i:c:s0306261923008206
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2023.121456
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    Cited by:

    1. Xiaochuan Wu & Wei Wang & Lin Zhang & Jinxi Wang & Yuelei Zhang & Ye Zhang, 2024. "Deep Geothermal Resources with Respect to Power Generation Potential of the Sinian–Cambrian Formation in Western Chongqing City, Eastern Sichuan Basin, China," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(16), pages 1-15, August.
    2. Chaohui Zhou & Yue Hu & Yuce Liu & Rujie Liu & Yongqiang Luo & Xiao Wang & Huiheng Luo, 2024. "Study on the Operation Optimization of Medium-Depth U-Type Ground Source Heat Pump Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-15, June.
    3. Zuo, Yinhui & Sun, Yigao & Zhang, Luquan & Zhang, Chao & Wang, Yingchun & Jiang, Guangzheng & Wang, Xiaoguang & Zhang, Tao & Cui, Longqing, 2024. "Geothermal resource evaluation in the Sichuan Basin and suggestions for the development and utilization of abandoned oil and gas wells," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 225(C).
    4. Peng Zhang & Boyun Guo, 2024. "A Feasibility Assessment of Heat Energy Productivity of Geothermal Wells Converted from Oil/Gas Wells," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-16, January.

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