US Geothermal completes drilling of first well for Guatemala project
U.S. Geothermal Inc. reports having completed drilling of first well of its El Ceibillo project in Guatamala reaching a bottom hole temperature of 255 degrees Celsius at a depth of 1,470 meters.
Drilling has been completed drilling of the first well EC-1 of the El Ceibillo project by U.S. Geothermal Guatemala, S.A., a fully owned local subsidiary of U.S. Geothermal, Inc.
“Well EC-1 was drilled to a total depth of 4,829 feet (1,472 meters) and encountered a bottom-hole temperature of 491°F (255°C), with the temperature gradient at the bottom of the hole rising at a rate of 7.1°F/100 feet (129.1°C/km). High temperatures in excess of 392°F (>200°C) were encountered in the well beginning at a depth of 2,625 feet (800 meters), which represents a potential high temperature reservoir interval in excess of 2,204 feet (672 meters). Permeability was encountered and a slotted liner capable of supporting production was placed in the well. A preliminary clean-out flow from the well looked favorable and warrants formal testing. Flow test equipment is currently being fabricated for a planned test, which is expected to be performed within the next 4 to 6 weeks.
Well EC-1 was originally planned for a depth of 3,280 feet (1,000 meters), however due to favorable drilling conditions, geology, and increasing temperature; the well depth was extended and was completed within the original budget.
“We are very excited about the preliminary results seen from our first production depth well at our El Ceibillo project in Guatemala,” said Doug Glaspey, President and COO of US Geothermal. “Reservoir temperatures within the El Ceibillo area of our concession are significantly higher than we anticipated, and as a result of favorable drilling conditions, our projected drilling costs for production size wells appear to be at or lower than we have planned.”
Source: Company release via Yahoo