Geothermal Energy is the energy stored in the form of heat below the surface of solid earth. The deeper one penetrates the interior of the Earth, the warmer it becomes. It is inexhaustible by human standards and so far, it has been used only to a limited extent for heating, cooling and the generation of electricity.

As renewable energy will continue to grow, demand will increase for baseload power. Firms who develop and operate baseload energy resources will be well suited to take advantage of this.

This is where geothermal developers come into play. Geothermal is the only renewable energy resource that can provide year-round baseload power without having to rely on the grid, or costly energy storage. This competitive advantage is evidendent in many places around the world, where geothermal energy supplies a stable base load energy supply.

As this space industrialized, some companies attempted vertical integration of energy production using hydro, solar, and wind. These companies have struggled, because they underestimated the limited capacity factor of these energy resources (≤ 75%). For this reason, the future will rely on vertical integration of geothermal energy production.

Geothermal energy is a largely CO2 free renewable energy source available in specific locations. The technology is proven to reliably meet heating, cooling and electricity supply needs. Geothermal also promotes local economic development and job creation. It is also a  significant contributor to energy security. Further deployment of this renewable resource requires a strong commitment by both public authorities and private sector. A major barrier to increased deployment of geothermal energy remains the lack of awareness of the technology. The support of public authorities plays a key role in promoting geothermal energy.

Where to drill? This is the basic question in the exploration of underground energy resources, such as geothermal energy. Water in rocks flows along permeable pathways, which are the main target for geothermal drilling. Borehole, core and micro-earthquake data show that the pathways are spatially connected, permeable structures, such as fractures or faults in the rock.

The development of a Geothermal project is a complex, time consuming process, however, the end result is a stable Renewable Energy production source of long duration.

Topics to be determined:

EGS or traditional geothermal systems;

Reservoir modeling;

Power plants;

Geothermal direct-use;

Energy analysis and policies;

Resource analysis;

Geothermal hybridization;

Drilling;

Emerging technologies.

 Projects delivered by DNA|Energy Group of Companies are on a turnkey basis,  we are the Prime Contractor and responsible for all aspects of the project; commercial, technical, legal, operational and financial in operation with DNA|Global Partners Limited. 

PROJECT PHASES:

A Geothermal Energy project is divided into different phases:

Research & Development phase.

Feasibility phase.

Pre engineering phase.

Development phase.

Construction phase

Testing phase

Main target parameters of a Geothermal Energy project: (Proposed Guide)

Surface temperature liquid: 130-160 °C for electricity production.

Expected Power output electricity/heat.

Project Capex.

Development of project to Turnkey stage: 3,0 years.

SCOPE OF WORK:

Geological survey, including assessing geological information for suitability of a pilot project. DNA|Energy Group will in close co-operation with a local University or Technical institutes, work on the following deliverables:

Evaluate temperature gradient / hotspots in proposed target area.

Assess structural geology: evaluate existing 2/3D seismic data of target areas.

Drilling risk assessment; shallow and deep drilling risks for the target areas need to be  identified, evaluated and mitigated via a risk-based approach, based on local geological and 2/3D seismic data.

Construct a shortlist of a maximum of two sites in order to conduct the Geothermal Energy feasibility study.  Include accessibility and surface facility costs.

Develop Bore/Well concept: Bore/Well Dimensions, drilling aspects, develop trajectories, thermal efficiency, total energy calculations. Included are also:

Evaluate offset Bore(Wells for drilling practices, experiences, hazards;

Explore integration with HDR project

 Integrate ORC-technology into concept:

Feed in Bore/Well sizing & parameters to ORC design;

Evaluate to combine ORC with existing steam production projects.

Reporting and reviewing concepts: The project group will regularly conduct progress meetings and team meetings. With Bi-weekly and monthly update status reports as appropriate.  DNA|Energy acts as Project principles.

Based on Bore/Well engineering modelling output for resulting feasibility, design of Geothermal system, drilling parameters are defined which govern rig selection and materials specifications; 

For the drilling rig, drilling equipment and materials selection we will form a partnership with a local drilling company with the required engineering experience and a track record with a level of professional competence to meet our requirements. Together we will assess the availability of drilling equipment and materials;

Create project risk register: systematically identify and assess project risks and mitigations and associated costs; 

Provide cost estimates for Geothermal system: drilling costs, materials, surface installations, time-depth and installation time estimation; 

Contribute to economic analysis by provision of CAPEX and OPEX cost estimates.

DNA|Energy and their strategic partners will perform an accurate economical life-time analysis of the Geothermal system;

Create a contracting strategy and materials and services procurement plan;

Create a master project plan in cooperate closely with Bore/Well Engineers;

Conduct site visits.

PRE-ENGINEERING:

Pre-engineering Phase Geothermal Energy project;

Preparation phase

Product engineering 

Site exploration 

Consultation and reports

Legal regulatory framework 

Environmental impact study

Obtaining all licenses & Permitts

Drilling plan and budget 

Outline Masterplan

Outline business plan 

Outline financing plan

Outline fiscal plan

Power Purchase Agreement

Uninterrupted grid connection

Final identification & Procurement location

Items and deliverables to be included in pre engineering study: 

Government energy directorate requirements and policy 

Benefits of Geothermal Energy technology 

Comparisons with other renewable energy productions 

Geothermal energy resources in context 

Full brief on Geothermal Energy technology 

Site suitability 

Rig delivery logistics and drilling operations 

Key supplier selection 

Performance criteria 

Test drilling for confirmation

Site preparation 

Geology 

Hydrology 

Geophysics 

Land contamination 

Flood risk 

Archeological and environmental confirmation  

Access and security assessment 

Environmental assessment from drilling operations 

Impact/relations to local communities/neighborhood impact

REGULATORY & LEGAL FRAMEWORK:

License for drilling operations 

Land ownership/legal site access 

Electricity producing license 

Building license 

Drilling license

Power purchase agreement 

Environmental licenses

Security plan 

Business plan 

Financing plan

Insurance plan 

Fiscal plan

Project technology plan 

Execution plan 

Masterplan 

For any Geothermal project the pre engineering stage of a project is the most important stage.

The study will provide a clear overview of the technical, legal, fiscal and financial project situation, based on this information funding can be arranged. Execution of the Geothermal project is planned with robust contingency plans in place.

With the advent of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Industry 4.0, manufacturing and process data has taken on a whole new level of importance. With smart devices, much deeper integration and enhanced tools to collect, collate and exploit this data, operators and plant owners now will have a level of insight into their operations that gives them the ability to make more informed process-critical decisions faster than ever before.

This data-driven paradigm does however rely on robust systems at every level; and even one weak link in a network can negate the efficacy of the data being collected in terms of its speed, effectiveness, security, timeliness and volume. For this reason, a data infrastructure should encompass every facet of a plant’s operation in order to extract the best possible information for the optimisation of operations.

Our O&M plan ensures a safe and economical daily and long-term maintenance of equipment at the geothermal power plant and their associated steam fields. We ensure the safety of employees, contractors and the public in all maintenance activities in operating plants. Coordinates schedules and conducts mechanical, electrical, and instrument and control repair, carry out preventive maintenance and where needed new installations. We organize and oversee contract work. Maintain a computerized maintenance management program. Ensure compliance with all applicable environmental and safety regulations during the performance of maintenance activities. Schedule materials, equipment and personnel for plant outages and overhauls. Maintain needed site spare parts, assist in creating and monitoring plant/field budget for expenses and projects. Oversee performance of contractors required for on-site maintenance, services, equipment rentals, and maintenance training. Manage new equipment warranties. On-call 24 hours/day 7 days/week to respond to potential power plant/steam field problem

GEOTHERMAL PROJECT TEAM:

Senior / Well  Engineers – responsible for and conducting well design, drillability, Well cost estimating, senior geologist, responsible for site selection, data QA QC and geological risks identification;

ORC engineers – responsible for integrating ORC into Geothermal system. (Where needed)

RESOURCE PLANNING: (Guide)

Pre engineering study plan;                            

Project engineering.                                             

Drilling plan.                                                         

Site exploration                                                    

Consultations & Reports.                                  

Legal regulatory framework                             

Planning plan                                                        

Implementation  plan                                          

Environmental impact plan.                              

Outline financing plan                                         

Outline business plan                                           

Outline insurance plan.                                       

Outline fiscal plan                                                

Outline masterplan.                                             

Financing, Design, Supply, Construction, Commissioning, Operation and Maintenance of Plant.