A Study of Geothermal Energy Prospect from Abandoned Oil and Gas Wells in Nigeria

DOI: 10.14800/IOGR.1356

Abstract

The repurpose of depleted oil and gas wells for geothermal energy extraction represents an efficient and sustainable approach to harnessing geothermal resources from these formations. Abandoned wells have significant potential to contribute to the growing global energy demand while mitigating the environmental issues associated with traditional energy sources. This study evaluates the geothermal energy potential of abandoned oil and gas wells in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The analysis is based on the heat in place, extractable heat quantity, and heat loss using water vapor and carbon dioxide (CO₂) as working fluids.

The results indicate that the Niger Delta wells possess substantial geothermal energy potential, with heat in place ranging from 0.0489×10¹⁵BTU to 0.0677×10¹⁵ BTU. In terms of heat extraction efficiency, CO₂ outperformed water vapor as a carrier fluid, with heat extraction rates ranging from 3.96×10¹¹ BTU/day to 2.01×10¹¹ BTU/day, compared to water vapor’s range of 3.76×10¹⁰ BTU/day to 3.08×10¹⁰ BTU/day. Additionally, CO₂ demonstrated lower heat loss compared to water vapor, further confirming its superior performance as a heat carrier fluid.

These findings highlight the viability of utilizing abandoned oil and gas wells in the Niger Delta for geothermal energy production. The study underscores the potential of CO² as an efficient working fluid for geothermal systems and provides a foundation for future research and development in this field.