Geothermal Exploration
What is Geothermal Exploration?
Geothermal exploration involves the search for and development of geothermal energy sources, which harness the Earth’s internal heat to generate electricity and provide direct heating. This renewable energy source is considered sustainable and environmentally friendly, producing minimal greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels.
Downhole drill stem tests are used to prove and evaluate geothermal reservoirs and gather data about the reservoirs’ properties, including pressure, permeability, and fluid salinity and composition. These tests are often performed under extremely high-temperature and high-pressure conditions.
Current State of the Geothermal Industry
Geothermal energy remains a largely untapped renewable energy source, but that is expected to change quickly as technology evolves to support great adoption of geothermal energy for heating and cooling purposes and electricity generation. Currently, the installed geothermal power capacity currently sits at about 15.96 gigawatts (GW) with over 74% of the global capacity coming from the United States, Indonesia, the Philippines, Turkey, and New Zealand.
And, while upfront investment costs for geothermal exploration and drilling projects tends to be high, overall operational costs are relatively low. More and more governments are providing grants and tax credits to encourage further investment in a weather-independent, cost-effective renewable energy source.
Key Markets:
- United States: The largest producer, with significant resources in the western states.
- Indonesia: Rapidly expanding capacity, with ambitious plans for growth.
- Europe: Countries like Italy, Iceland, and Turkey are leading in geothermal development.
- East Africa: Emerging markets, with countries like Kenya and Ethiopia investing in geothermal energy.
Future Prospects
Due to a renewed global push for renewable energy, the geothermal industry is poised for expansive growth in the coming years. Continued innovation, supportive policies, and increasing investment are expected to overcome current challenges and unlock the full potential of geothermal energy. With appropriate support and technological advancements, geothermal energy could play a significant role in the global energy mix, contributing to sustainable and resilient energy systems.
Northstar Geothermal Advantage
Northstar provides expert services and solutions to isolate and prove the viability of geothermal reservoirs, giving clients the information they need to make informed project decisions. Through inflow or injection testing, Northstar engineers can determine:
- Reservoir Pressure
- Permeability
- Wellbore Damage/Skin
- Deliverability
- Flow regime – how fluids flow to the well bore over time (through fractures, the permeable rock matrix, etc.)
- Reservoir Boundaries
Want to learn more about Northstar’s experience with geothermal projects?
Read Northstar’s case study proving the viability of Saskatchewan’s deepest geothermañ well for Deep Earth Energy Production Corp (DEEP).
Find information on any of our DST services.
Solutions recently used in geothermal