Viability of Abandoned Oil and Gas Fields in for Geothermal Energy with Focus on the Volve Field

The shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources is a growing trend. Since geothermal energy is located beneath oil and gas wells, converting abandoned oil and gas wells into geothermal wells is a promising option. Potential candidate wells include dry holes from oil and gas exploration or wells in depleted reservoirs. There exists a knowledge gap in the engineering of well conversion, specifically regarding the factors influencing the performance of geothermal wells [1].

This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the viability of abandoned oil and gas fields for geothermal energy extraction in the Volve field in the North Sea. By integrating petrophysical data, including porosity and permeability, and leveraging advanced statistical and computational techniques. The research aims to enhance the understanding of geothermal reservoir characterization and dynamic modeling. Using Equinor’s publicly accessible dataset, the study incorporates stochastic simulation [2], principal component analysis (PCA), and clustering techniques to identify patterns, optimize reservoir management, and refine energy extraction models. The research is also keen to explore the integration of additional petrophysical and geomechanically parameters, as well as advanced technologies like Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) [3] and carbon capture and storage (CCS), to further enhance geothermal energy production in similar settings.

The statistical analysis of porosity and permeability reveals critical insights into their collective influence on reservoir performance. Descriptive statistics demonstrate a mean porosity of 0.170 and permeability of 509.59 mD, with minimal variability in porosity but significant heterogeneity in permeability, as evidenced by a wider standard deviation.

The integration of these findings into tNavigator software enabled the construction of a dynamic geothermal reservoir model. The model simulated fluid flow dynamics, temperature distribution, and energy recovery potential over a 20-year operational period. Results demonstrate sustained energy production, with cumulative enthalpy reaching 41,376.4 MWh, validating the feasibility of geothermal energy extraction from the Volve field.

In conclusion, this research highlights the potential of abandoned oil and gas fields as viable sources of geothermal energy. By employing advanced statistical methods and dynamic modeling tools, the study provides actionable insights for optimizing geothermal reservoir performance.

 

References

[1] Zhang, P., and B. Guo. "Fluid Temperature of Geothermal Energy Wells Converted from Abandoned Oil/Gas Wells." Paper presented at the SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, San Antonio, Texas, USA, October 2023.

[2] Soares, A., 2001, Direct sequential simulation and co-simulation: Mathematical Geology, 33, 911–926, doi: 10.1023/A:1012246006212.

[3] Garcia, J., et al. (2022). “Integrating Carbon Capture and Storage with Geothermal Energy Production in Abandoned Oil Fields.” Energy Procedia, 135, 567–578.