Could geothermal energy be a game-changer for Texas?
Oil Well in Reagan County, Texas (source: flickr/ J. Stephen Conn, creative commons)
Alexander Richter
1 Apr 2021
As part of the solution for the troubled energy system in Texas, geothermal could be a solution not only providing energy but being utilised from abandoned oil and gas wells in the state.
In an article in Hart Energy, Karl Farrow of CeraPhi Energy explores if geothermal energy could be a game-changer for Texas energy production.
In the context of the recent energy crisis in the state of Texas during a cold stretch in February, geothermal gets increased attention. As an oil state, there could be an opportunity to use geothermal energy to repurpose end-of-life oil and gas wells, extending well life for clean energy generation.
“As part of the intensive analysis, legislative activity and planning now underway, it is vitally important that Texas officials take a close look at the geothermal map of the state and recognize the abundance of “heat beneath our feet.” The clear realization is that nothing like what just happened need ever occur again.”, so Karl Farrow.
The below map clearly indicates Texas’ advantageous position with respect to tapping into geothermal energy. In fact, Texas’ great universities are already very involved in drawing attention to this amazing resource.
Geothermal technology can repurpose end-of-life oil and gas wells. By drawing heat up from old wells, geothermal can alleviate the need for costly plug, abandonment and decommissioning. This exciting application extends well life for clean energy generation for decades and supports decarbonization of sites through co-generation.
Not only does this use relieve drilling firms of stranded capital expense and the public of environmental concerns, it actually turns the wells into productive energy producers.
In Texas, for example, there are more than 6,200 abandoned oil and gas wells, creating significant environmental and economic liability on companies and citizens of the state. Geothermal production reduces cost and risk and creates productive economic value from tapping geothermal resources.
With a focus on heat transfer and the geothermal “cascade,” we can readily create efficient off-grid energy solutions like heating and cooling for cities, towns and districts, replacing coal and gas-fired electrical production.
Karl Farrow’s CeraPhi Energy wants to be part of the solution for Texas, and beyond. Geothermal energy is clean base-load and non-interruptible, which creates jobs, economic benefit, resilience and independence. Ceraphi Energy is confident that deploying geothermal options will dramatically strengthen Texas’ role as a leading global energy producer.
For the full article, click below.
Source: Hart Energy
