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Unlocking Impermeable Geothermal Reservoirs: Hydraulic Stimulation, Menengai and Olkaria

Unlocking the Impermeable Reservoir: Lessons from a 30-Year Reservoir Engineer An Alphaxioms interview with Richard Joseph Holt, Principal Consultant in Reservoir Engineering at RESPEC . Context: Menengai East and Olkaria Central. Every geothermal developer knows the moment.  The rig is gone and the money is spent. The well is drilled to depth, the temperature is there, and then the well will not flow. The heat is real, but the connection between the well and the reservoir is not. Wells like this sit at the centre of one of the most important questions in geothermal development: what do you do with a tight reservoir? Walk away and drill again, or find a way to unlock what is already there? To explore the question, Alphaxioms spoke with Richard Joseph Holt, Principal Consultant in Reservoir Engineering at RESPEC . Richard brings 30 years of global experience in geothermal energy.  We framed our questions around two settings, Menengai East and Olkaria Central, and asked him how ...

SLB and Ormat Set To Revitilize Geothermal Energy

SLB and Ormat Join Forces to Revolutionize Geothermal Energy

By:Robert Buluma

In an exciting leap toward a sustainable future, SLB has announced a strategic collaboration with Ormat Technologies, Inc., a leading renewable energy company, to develop and deliver cutting-edge geothermal projects. This partnership aims to revolutionize the geothermal energy landscape by reducing project risks, enhancing economics, and ensuring long-term performance and reliability.

A Comprehensive Suite of Solutions

The collaboration will offer developers an integrated suite of solutions that cover every phase of geothermal projects. From initial exploration and resource assessment to power plant commissioning and operation, SLB and Ormat are committed to providing a seamless and comprehensive approach.

Next-Generation Geothermal Solutions

Together, SLB and Ormat will offer both traditional geothermal solutions and next-generation technologies like enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) and advanced geothermal solutions (AGS). Notably, SLB has secured a license for Ormat's EGS patent, allowing the partnership to push the boundaries of geothermal technology.

Synergy of Expertise

This collaboration leverages Ormat's extensive experience in geothermal fields, project development, and power plant operations with SLB's unparalleled expertise in reservoir characterization, well construction, completions, and production technologies. By combining these strengths, the partnership aims to deliver exceptional project efficiencies and economic benefits.

The Importance of Geothermal Energy

"Geothermal energy represents a significant opportunity for the energy transition, providing clean, baseload renewable power," said Irlan Amir, Vice President of Renewables and Energy Efficiency at SLB. "By combining our expertise with Ormat's, we can help customers unlock the full potential of geothermal resources and accelerate the deployment of this sustainable energy source."

 A Partnership Built on Complementary Strengths

SLB has been a leader in the subsurface sector for over a century, participating in 80 percent of the world's geothermal power projects. Ormat, as the largest manufacturer of geothermal binary equipment and the second-largest global owner and operator of geothermal fields and power plants, brings unmatched expertise to the table.

"Ormat's world-class geothermal development and technology expertise perfectly complements SLB's significant reservoir knowledge and well construction technologies," said Paul Thomsen, Vice President of Business Development at Ormat. "Together, we can deliver more projects, offering exceptional value to our developers and contributing to a cleaner energy future."

Join the Renewable Revolution

This collaboration marks a significant step forward in the renewable energy sector. With SLB and Ormat working together, the future of geothermal energy looks brighter than ever. Stay tuned for more updates as these groundbreaking projects unfold.

Companies and even entities merging together has been a norm and its evident the states know how to Stay afloat

About SLB:

SLB has been a global leader in energy services for over a century, committed to driving innovation and sustainability in the energy sector.


About Ormat Technologies, Inc.:

Ormat is a leading renewable energy company specializing in geothermal energy solutions, with a strong focus on technological innovation and sustainable development.

Source: SLB Resource

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