Contact Us TodayCo-Production: Geothermal Energy from Oilfield Waste Water
Geothermal resources have been successfully utilized in many locations worldwide with significant economic rewards, but geothermal energy for electrical power is currently an untapped, power source in the Canadian energy market and specifically in Canadian oilfield operations. At present, this hot water resource is readily available through the existence of numerous deep, end-of-life oil and gas wells in the Canadian Foothills and the use of the hot water resource for electricity production has the potential to increase energy efficiency and offer carbon offsets for oil and gas companies.
AERI Funding for Innovative Renewable Energy Project
This innovative project has been approved for a grant of up to $2,600,000 provided by the Alberta Energy Research Institute (AERI): Clean Air and Climate Change: Technology and Innovation Initiative to assist in funding the power production plant at the Swan Hills oil and gas production facility in Alberta. The power production plant will use geothermal waste heat from the facility to generate electricity to be used as an alternative or supplementary source of electricity at the facility. The main component of the Swan Hills field produces oil, gas and water from a depth of approximately 9000 feet (~2.74 km). These fluids are pumped to the surface at approximately 163-170 degrees F (73-77 degrees C) in very high volumes. The oil and gas are separated from the water, and the water is then pumped back into the formation. The project will utilize heat exchange technology to remove sufficient heat from the water before it is re-circulated to produce electricity.
Borealis Partners with Free Energy Power Corporation
Borealis Geopower entered into an agreement with Free Energy Power Corporation on December 21, 2009 and we are very pleased with the approval of the grant application. This innovative project positions the two companies as industry leaders, allowing us to continue developing extensive geothermal assets and to deliver “clean renewable energy.” For Free Energy’s recent press release, click here.
Research on Oil and Gas to Geothermal Energy
Recognition that former oil and gas wells and facilities have the potential for geothermal production was recently initiated by Dr. David Blackwell with SMU (Southern Methodist University) and applied to the oil fields in Texas and other southern states.
For more information about similar projects in the US market visit the Rocky Mountain Oilfield Testing webpage: “Geothermal electrical generation holds promise for older oil fields.”
International News - Geothermal from Oil & Gas Operations:
The DOE (U.S. Department of Energy) Introduces Big Oil to New Energy Source: Waste Heat Geothermal- Cleantechnica News Article.
The US DOE’s has purchased a geothermal plant north of Casper, Wyoming for an undisclosed amount. To view this news article, click here.
