Supporting Low Enthalpy Geothermal Project
Between heavily deployed Shallow Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES) systems and deeper hydrothermal systems for direct heating at temperatures above 60 degrees Celsius, there is another opportunity: Low Temperature Geothermal (LTG). These systems target aquifers at depths between 500 and 1500 meters and normally need heat pumps to produce heat for commercial use within greenhouses or low/mid temperature heat networks. Since 2018, Sproule ERCE has been supporting the operator of the first (and single) Dutch LTG project with various operational and technical roles.
Project Highlights
- Production engineering challenges
- Strategic decision making
- Project management support
- Well integrity & HSEQ
Challenges
Pilot Project: Due to its novelty in the Netherlands as a “first of its kind”, several engineering issues arose that contributed undesirable effects in the production phase.
Production Problems: After the commissioning and startup of the facilities, production problems such as pump failures, injection blockage, corrosion, and microbiology, negatively impacted the efficiency and reliability of the heat source.
Expertise: Sproule ERCE was able to identify and recommend engineering and operating solutions that the operator was able to implement.
Commercial Viability: Due to the poor reliability of the system and additional capex incurred, the case did not prove viable despite its potential.
Production Problems: After the commissioning and startup of the facilities, production problems such as pump failures, injection blockage, corrosion, and microbiology, negatively impacted the efficiency and reliability of the heat source.
Expertise: Sproule ERCE was able to identify and recommend engineering and operating solutions that the operator was able to implement.
Commercial Viability: Due to the poor reliability of the system and additional capex incurred, the case did not prove viable despite its potential.
Solutions
Production Monitoring & Optimization: Sproule ERCE provided monitoring solutions to manage the pumps, stabilize injection, and identify geohazards. Scaling prevention and remediation techniques were also applied.
Well Integrity & Safety: Sproule ERCE introduced the Well Integrity Management System (WIMS) to ensure well safety through documentation, integrity checks, and evaluations.
Strategic Advice: Several commercial and engineering scenarios were analyzed and presented as options to move forward including remediation, project upscaling, divestment partner selection and project abandonment.
Project Management Support: Sproule ERCE has been managing many facets of the operations since being invited to support operator.
Well Integrity & Safety: Sproule ERCE introduced the Well Integrity Management System (WIMS) to ensure well safety through documentation, integrity checks, and evaluations.
Strategic Advice: Several commercial and engineering scenarios were analyzed and presented as options to move forward including remediation, project upscaling, divestment partner selection and project abandonment.
Project Management Support: Sproule ERCE has been managing many facets of the operations since being invited to support operator.
Values
License to Operate: With the complementary skill sets of our team, the operator has been netter able to execute its role. An inter-company agreement ensures that the required skills are available in accordance with industry standards.
Deep Understanding: Due to all the challenges experienced with this doublet, lessons learned can be quickly implemented in any similar future projects.
Predictability and Decision Making: The advisory around of technical issues illuminates clear paths forward creating simplified and informed decision-making by the client.
Deep Understanding: Due to all the challenges experienced with this doublet, lessons learned can be quickly implemented in any similar future projects.
Predictability and Decision Making: The advisory around of technical issues illuminates clear paths forward creating simplified and informed decision-making by the client.