Transitioning from Oil and Gas to Geothermal: A Geoscience Perspective

Summary There are over 300 geothermal plants operating in 35 countries. The majority of the power plants occur in geologically complex high-temperature volcanic areas and limited well success rates in these settings limits commercial returns. Future geothermal drilling will turn increasingly to sedimentary basins. In this context, there are some key similarities between the skills, understanding and data used for the exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons and that of geothermal energy. Insights into the geoscientific challenges faced in drilling sedimentary basins will enhance our ability to evaluate and develop geothermal resources in a manner that minimises subsurface risk. This paper aims to outline the different phases of a geothermal exploration and development campaign, highlighting areas of overlap between the geothermal industry and knowledge and data from the petroleum industry. By utilising the potential synergies between the petroleum and geothermal industries, the energy industry will be well positioned to transfer from oil and gas to geothermal.