Review of the technical and economic aspects of extracting geothermal energy using abandoned oil and gas wells

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department Faculty of Oil and Gas, Sahand University of Technology,Tabriz,Iran

2 Department of Petroleum Engineering, Faculty of Petroleum and Gas, Sahand University of Technology, Tabriz, Iran

Abstract
Abandoned oil and gas wells optimization for geothermal energy extraction is considered as one of the promising ways for increasing the economic lifespan of oil and gas wells and creating a source of renewable and clean energy. Geothermal energy can be used for direct heating or electricity generation by utilizing abandoned oil and gas wells as an energy source. Conversion of abandoned wells into geothermal wells can significantly reduce well abandonment costs. Improper well abandonment can create serious environmental hazards. From the technical point of view, operational factors such as abandoned well borehole diameter, heat loss during the well, low geothermal gradient in abandoned wells, thermal equipment cost, and entry of oil and gas fluids into the well are the main challenges for well conversion. However, drilling and obtaining thermal data from abandoned oil and gas wells provide significant advantages for energy and cost estimation compared to conventional geothermal wells. To overcome energy and heat loss in abandoned oil/gas wells and produce high-temperature fluids, some practical methods such as hydrocarbon fluid oxidation for in-situ combustion to increase reservoir temperature, increasing contact area of fluid with reservoir rock using horizontal wells, and increasing the depth of abandoned wells could be proposed for repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal energy extraction. This study aims to provide further insights into advantages, challenges, and appropriate methods for converting abandoned oil/gas wells into geothermal sources.

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Volume 12, Issue 2 - Serial Number 24
September 2025
Pages 19-29

  • Receive Date 28 July 2024
  • Revise Date 25 January 2025
  • Accept Date 14 February 2025