This session will cover modeling fracturing stimulation, and modeling distributed facture networks (including natural fractured networks). It will be specifically related to how we can model the improvements in thermal conductivity of the fracture network with novel proppants/fluids with a goal to increase the thermal exchange efficiency in a geothermal well.

Well duration has a direct impact on well cost and overall project economics.  Presentations will address technologies that accelerate the rate of penetration while maintaining a trouble-free wellbore which is key to lowering overall well costs.   

Presentations in this session will cover microfluidics, mechanisms that regulate geo-mechanical and flow/transport processes in subsurface energy reservoirs, core/shell proppants, and water-based and waterless fracturing fluids.

Presentations will cover lessons learned from real life examples of solving problems that have potential application for both geothermal and oil & gas operations.

Challenges in geothermal well construction and operation and the novel approaches to address these challenges will be discussed.  Namely geothermal wells pose risks associated with high to ultra-high well temperatures.  Additionally, risks stemming from corrosive fluids, lost circulation, and mechanical and thermomechanical stresses may create challenges to cementing geothermal wells.  Presentations will cover novel cementing developments and materials, including compositions and methods, to address the aforementioned challenges in the geothermal high temperature and ultra-high temperature environment.

The focus of this session is on advancements of technologies, methodologies, and equipment that has or will have an impact on alleviating the complexities of well completions in harsh geothermal and oil and gas environments. Innovative approaches to completion schemes that can be applied to high temperature and high pressure reservoirs will be emphasized.     

This session will address the differences in geothermal gradients between oil and gas wells and geothermal wells along with the mutual technologies that are used to ensure successful wellbores for both drilling and completions.

This session presents Governments’ current Geothermal Development support via project funding & tax incentives and barriers to commercial projects. Updates of U.S. Federal DOE, DOI (BLM-BOEM-BIA) & EPA, as well as selected States will be addressed, including the tough issue of permitting.