SLB and Ormat announce enhanced geothermal pilot project in Nevada
SLB and Ormat have announced the selection of the Desert Peak site in Nevada as the preferred location of an enhanced geothermal system (EGS) pilot project.
SLB and Ormat Technologies (Ormat) have announced the selection of the Desert Peak site in Nevada as the preferred location of a planned enhanced geothermal system (EGS) following a subsurface and geomechanical evaluation of multiple geothermal fields.
The selection was based on an evaluation done by SLB of multiple geothermal fields operated by Ormat across Nevada. The approach combined geological interpretation, geomechanical analysis and development inputs to enable consistent comparison across candidate sites and address key EGS challenges, including stimulation efficiency, fluid flow consistency, parasitic losses, water loss, and geochemical complications.
Early evaluation, modeling and simulation of subsurface conditions help reduce uncertainty of EGS activities, thus directly influencing project feasibility and long-term reservoir performance.
The Desert Peak site was identified has having the optimal technical potential and development practicality for the EGS pilot. The site also benefits from proximity to existing infrastructure and defined corridors and structural features for potential well placement.
The project will now proceed to an appraisal phase with planned new magnetotelluric and seismic surveys. This will support development a new 3D mechanical earth model for fracture, thermal, hydraulic, and mechanical analysis that will enable the well placement stimulation program design.A recent announcement by Ormat, alongside the launch of a new high-capacity turbine design, indicated the advancement of two pilot EGS programs. The Desert Peak project is presumed to be one of the two. With multiple geothermal power project tapping into conventional hydrothermal systems, Ormat is uniquely positioned with the assets to pilot emerging geothermal technologies, including EGS.
The Desert Peak project also builds on a previously announced cooperation between the two companies to co-develop integrated geothermal assets and progress EGS from pilot to commercial deployment.
Source: SLB
