2024 Subsurface Geothermal Symposium: New Technology Drilling and Subsurface Characterization
Description
July 31 - August 2, 2024
Location
Peppermill Resort, Reno, Nevada
Date
Topics
Featured Image
Image
Symposium Overview
Join Geothermal Rising (GR) and the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) at the 2024 Subsurface Geothermal Symposium: New Technology Drilling and Subsurface Characterization. This geothermal subsurface program will bring together communities and subject matter experts in all different types of geothermal reservoirs – conventional hydrothermal, EGS, closed loop, and sedimentary geothermal. Recognizing that each geothermal technology type is unique, but overlaps in learnings and best practices can be applied across technologies, and this program will do just that! We will explore challenges and opportunities with each reservoir type, exploration methodologies, reservoir modelling methodologies and technological advances, drilling & well design, reservoir characterization, reservoir management, and fracture networks. This workshop-style symposium will present compelling technical talks, panels, networking and ample time for group discussion allow for cross-specialty learning.
Symposium Information
Who Should Attend?
- Drilling Engineers
- Drilling Managers
- Geologists
- Geophysicists
- Researchers
- Reservoir Engineers
- Stakeholders
Sponsors
Silver Sponsor
Image
Patron Sponsor
Image
Digital Solutions for Geothermal Power to Increase Operational Productivity and Longevity: Results
Date
Image
The results of Geothermal Rising’s’ workshop, facilitated by BiaTech Corporation: “Explore Geothermal Power Digital Solutions to Increase Operational Productivity and Longevity,” offer great insight into the current state of geothermal power generation, operational considerations, and critical areas in which data can be applied to increase productivity and longevity of the power plant. By using tools such as AI, machine learning, and digital twins, improved operational decisions can extend geothermal plant life, reduce costs, and improve performance.
We explored factors that may reduce the life of the reservoir, plant, or infrastructure and shared ways to extend life and mapped it into a framework for engineers and data scientists alike, streamlining decision making processes.
So how was it done? And what are the critical areas for improvement? Let’s explore.
First, we conducted an exercise to understand perceptions around digital tools and what the outlook for the future is. The consistent themes unearthed through this exercise were that presently, perceptions around data and digital tools are enigmatic, but the vision for the future is optimistic. Two case studies were also presented and discussed to identify and investigate root causes of problems associated with aging plants and facilities, and to prime participants for further discussion.
Then, we broke into group exercises to understand operational decisions from daily, cyclic, and long-term strategies, what data is used to make those decisions, and the systems utilized. The groups analyzed decisions from the perspective of plant operations, engineering, and leadership. By devoting time to analyzing day-to-day challenges, engineers were able to brainstorm fresh ideas and prioritize goals in making data driven decisions.
Following the group exercise was a brainstorming session in which participants used BiaTech’s Geothermal Issue Tree Analysis to create a framework that evaluated plant performance. The results of this analysis enumerated factors affecting functioning, including operational costs, capital expenses, maintenance, regulations, and market volatility, among many others. This led to ascertaining specific areas in which digital solutions can be applied for optimal performance.
The workshop identified five areas of high importance that can leverage digital solutions:
- Using AI digital reality to map geothermal plants for operational optimization
- Using data to improve dashboards of plant performance, steamfields, and reservoirs
- Using AI models for historical analysis and measurement of seismicity
- Identifying areas of high risk, including pipeline conditions like corrosion
- Monitoring support for operator walk and thermal trending via drone computer vision
- Explore advanced sensor retrofit for reservoir and well monitoring
- Assess the health of current systems and options to integrate digital solutions
The world is undergoing a digital revolution, but many companies are ill equipped to benefit from the transformation, missing the eight core principles of digital success. Data-driven organizations, especially asset-heavy companies, are 19 times more likely to be profitable and sustainable. Companies that invest in machine learning and AI can increase their revenues by 38%. Clearly, there is potential for geothermal companies to leverage AI to increase productivity and extend asset life.
The team concluded that the value for geothermal companies deploying digital solutions include:
- Lower Operations & Maintenance Costs
- Increase efficiency & output
- Increase life of plant and assets
- Decrease safety and health incidents on-site
- Increase the reservoir health
For geothermal companies, the problem is not the existence of data; it is the challenge to make data available quickly, and improve the quality of the data. High volumes of data currently exist in the geothermal industry, which makes it a prime candidate for renovation using AI and machine learning.
Image
Caption
Results of the prioritization exercise
Through BiaTech’s data maturity assessments and prioritization matrix, we prioritized the digital solutions that would have the highest impact with the lowest degree of difficulty of implementation. A key take-away from this workshop is how many of the key pain points for geothermal operators can be positively impacted by relatively simple digital solutions!
This summary only scratches the surface of what was accomplished in the workshop. If you’d like more information about how digital solutions can transform and empower your business, attend the second offering of this workshop in Reno on April 16th!
Special thanks to Calpine for hosting, and to BiaTech for facilitating this workshop! For more information, contact info@BiaTech.com.
Nevada Geothermal Town Hall
Description
April 16, 2024
Location
Reno, Nevada
Date
Topics
Featured Image
Image
Did you know that not only is Nevada one of the highest producers of geothermal energy, it also holds the greatest amount of unused geothermal energy?
To learn more, join us for the first Nevada Geothermal Town Hall, hosted by the Great Basin Center for Geothermal Energy and the College of Science at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Participants will have the opportunity to gain insights into the fundamentals of geothermal energy, discover the impact of geothermal initiatives in Nevada, and explore the contributions of the University in advancing sustainable energy solutions. Our panel of experts will share their knowledge and expertise, addressing any questions or concerns you may have regarding geothermal energy.
Panelists Include:
- Kerry Rohrmeier - Government Affairs Manager at Ormat Technologies
- Aubry DrReuil - Head of Geoscience at Zanskar Geothermal & Minerals, Inc.
- Emma McConville - Senior Manager of Geoscience at Fervo Energy
- Kevin Holmes - Research and Engineering at BiaTech Corporation
- Tai Subia - Geothermal Program Lead with the Bureau of Land Managment
After the discussion, you are invited to join us for a reception sponsored by Ormat Technologies and the Nevada Regional Interest Group (RIG) of Geothermal Rising.
IRA Tax Implications for the Geothermal Industry
Description
March 27, 2024 at 10:00am CDT
Location
Online
Date
Topics
Featured Image
Image
Join our policy leaders in the discussion on IRA Tax implications and what the IRA Provides for Geothermal Technologies.
The IRA includes extensions for the investment tax credit (ITC) and for the production tax credit (PTC). Any projects that want to take advantage of these extensions must begin construction before January 1st, 2025, unless it's for geothermal exchange systems, which have been extended to January 1st, 2035. Geo exchange systems are low temperature, shallow exchange systems that serve building heat pumps and thermal energy networks. Because of the massive push toward distributed thermal energy, or Thermal Energy Networks (TENs), disadvantaged communities will have access to clean heating, cooling & domestic hot water (DHW) with a simple utility connection.