The International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) Geothermal Committee has published the first edition of the IADC Geothermal Well Classification, which aims to present an international classification system for geothermal well construction that reflects the practicalities of “putting a hole in the ground,” the risks associated with drilling operations, and the long-term operation of the well.
The Geothermal Well Classification aims to accomplish the following:
Establish a foundational framework for the IADC Geothermal Well Drilling Guidelines, providing clear context to distinguish well types and define the necessary equipment, standards, processes, and training for their safe and e;icient construction and operation.
Act as a communication tool to bridge the gap between drilling and non-drilling professionals, using terminology familiar to the broader drilling industry to facilitate informed discussions.
Present the complexities and unique challenges of geothermal well drilling in a clear and accessible manner, avoiding excessive technical detail while emphasizing project-specific drilling risks for comparison.
Identify gaps in the supply chain that may hinder geothermal project development, enabling IADC members to address these challenges and develop geothermal-specific solutions.
This classification will also serve as the foundation for a complexity calculator, designed to provide a clear and accessible visual representation of the complexities and unique challenges associated with geothermal wells. The calculator is still in development and is expected to be released following the publication of this document.