A Study on Geothermal Energy Production in Depleted Hydrocarbon wells of Upper Assam Basin India

Geologically known for its ability to host significant oil and gas reserves in Northeast India, the Upper Assam Basin is a category-I petroliferous basin.  The study is aimed to utilise geothermal energy extraction of the Lakadong+Therria Formation in the Upper Assam Basin's depleted hydrocarbon wells.  The wells have recorded high bottomhole temperatures (BHTs) ~90 to 130 ̊C within the depth range of 3579 m to 4603 m. The feasibility of harnessing geothermal energy from these wells with high BHTs and correspondingly high geothermal gradient (>0.024 ̊C/Km) in the Lakadong+Therria Formation, is assessed in this work. The Monte-Carlo simulation study was performed to assess few wells with high heat flux in terms of stored Heat-in-Place (H.I.P), with the cumulative geothermal potential of 15.5*10^14 J.   The study would enable a comprehensive understanding to implement different geothermal energy extraction technologies to determine the viability of pilot-scale operations in the Upper Assam basin for electricity production or other greenhouse gas or district heating applications. This could start the energy transition pathway in the basin from fossil-based resources to low-carbon emission resources.