In a first-of-its-kind geothermal study, Petrofac, a leading international energy services provider, will assist CeraPhi Energy with their advanced closed loop system for repurposing oil and gas wells as geothermal energy sources.

As part of the study, which is supported by the Net Zero Technology Centre in Aberdeen, researchers will examine how retrofitted wells can reduce an operating platform’s carbon footprint. Accordingly, EnQuest’s Magnus Platform will serve as the study’s base case, for which Petrofac is also contracting for operations.

CeraPhi’s subsurface engineering team will collaborate with Petrofac’s topside engineering team to incorporate CeraPhi’s advanced closed loop technology, CeraPhiWellTM, which can be integrated into old wells to extract heat from deep underground using a downhole heat exchanger. According to the results of the study, the heat produced could be used for direct power or heating and cooling utilities and other services, which could reduce the facility’s carbon footprint.

Jonathan Carpenter, Vice President, Petrofac New Energy Services, said:

“Our engineering specialists are looking forward to working with CeraPhi on this pioneering study, which has the potential to unlock a completely new way of generating renewable power using existing oil and gas infrastructure. It could be a game-changer in our efforts to decarbonise the oil and gas production process and has wider applicability for clean base load power as well.”

Karl Farrow, CeraPhi, Founder and CEO, said:

“This award is a statement to how the oil and gas industry is transitioning in the decarbonisation of the oil and gas extraction process.If we can use old non-productive wells to produce clean baseload energy, why can’t we make those same wells produce carbon free energy when they are drilled, reducing the carbon footprint during the oil and gas extraction process and ensuring the maximum use of these assets through a complete energy transition over decades.”

Craig Nicol, Project Manager, NZTC, said:

“We are delighted to be supporting CeraPhi with this ground-breaking project that if proven could become a serious contributor to the renewable energy mix. The industry is facing a significant challenge to decommission wells that have come to the end of their production, this novel approach has the potential to extend their life whilst delivering on our net zero targets.”