The viability of geothermal energy depends on a number of factors – from high temperature to the permeability of rocks and fluid content. If this combination is right, creating geothermal power from it at scale requires direct use of the subsurface heat before transformation to electricity in hydrothermal power plants takes place. Because of this, multi-disciplined operational experience is needed to ensure safe and successful projects.
AGR’s geothermal specialists work in partnership with clients to help them solve their evolving energy challenges. Our experience spans across reservoirs, geoscience assessments, well engineering and drilling project management. And it is this wide set of skills that we provide to clients in the geothermal area.
Our knowledge of the sub-surface, which we have gained over three decades, places us perfectly to help operators achieve their geothermal aims.
We provide regional screenings of geothermal resources and geological characterisations of potential assets. Our specialists are able to describe and analyse the geology rock types and structure geology with stress/strain systems, faults, fractures and temperature.
In the geophysics discipline, we employ gravity, magnetics and seismic techniques to identify and define geothermal resources. Traditional 3D geological mapping is still required in this field, but we also contribute to simulation of heat flows, as well as fracture and stimulation modelling of geothermal wells.
We help clients navigate their way through the complex set of geological, technological and commercial challenges they face, including:
These difficulties result in longer drilling days, more expensive equipment and higher costs compared to conventional drilling for oil and gas prospects. And because the value of heat is significantly lower than hydrocarbon values, the often unclear economic case makes it harder to justify the green light for many projects. Our experience and the insight we offer helps bring clarity for decision making in this uncertain environment.
For example, AGR recently conducted a mapping project for a client to identify the heat systems in Australia where drilling extra deep wells for geothermal purposes might be undertaken. Our proprietary software, iQx™, also played a key role in producing better informed economic forecasts for investors in this and other geothermal wells.
We offer investors large and small, established energy companies and new entrants a bespoke service delivered by our most experienced well management specialists. This includes:
AGR Software’s iQx™ platform provides a number of plug-and-play applications that offer energy investors greater clarity over expected project costs, timeframes and the potential risks attached. By interpreting real-time data, our portfolio of software solutions deliver live and comprehensive insight into existing or planned wells to enable better informed, more collaborative and agile decision making.
The platform includes the following applications:
PLANS™ – Probabilistic time and cost estimation
CT ™ – Actual Time and Cost tracking
Ex™ – Learning from experiences
RIG – Drilling unit planning and scheduling
