Type:
Research Report
Link:
https://issuu.com/geothermalcanada/docs/geothermal_drilling_comparison_one_pager
Author:
Catherine J. Hickson, Mark Kumataka, Darrell Cotterill and Katie Huang
Terrapin Geothermics and Alberta No. 1
Citation:
Hickson, C.J., Kumataka, M., Cotterill, D. and K. Huang. 2020. Geoconvention 2020.
Abstract:
In Canada’s Western Sedimentary Basin (WSB), a number of significant factors must be taken into consideration in order to develop a commercially viable geothermal project, most of which center around drilling and well completions. Within Canada, Alberta has particularly significant areal extent where temperatures are high enough to extract for direct-use applications and, in some locations, power production (Wiedes and Majorowicz 2014). In addition to a suitable temperature differential between the surface and subsurface, there must also be a permeable reservoir. Alberta has a significant and extensive history in the production of oil and gas resources and has been a leading innovator in drilling technology. This background is an excellent framework for geothermal development and understanding the differences is an important principle for successful geothermal development.
Acknowledgements:
This paper benefited from the reviews of Richard Hawker and Wayne Repchuk (Remedy Energy Services Inc.), and Will Gosnold (University of North Dakota). The authors were supported in part through an Emerging Renewable Power Production grant from Natural Resources Canada for the Alberta No. 1 project.