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Menengai Geothermal Project Delays Expose Kenya’s Broken Steam Supply Model

Menengai’s Broken Promise: How Kenya’s Geothermal Model Lost the Steam Thematic image of the Olkaria Geothermal Field  Kenya’s Menengai geothermal project was sold as a model of modern public-private partnership. The state would carry the difficult and expensive burden of geothermal exploration and drilling. Private power producers would then build, own and operate power plants. Geothermal Development Company would supply the steam; the independent power producers would convert it into electricity; Kenya Power would buy the output. On paper, the arrangement was elegant. In practice, Menengai has exposed a far more uncomfortable reality: Kenya’s public steam-supply model is not delivering the certainty it promised. Menengai Phase I was designed to produce 105 megawatts from three 35 MW plants. GDC’s own project page says the three plants were awarded to Globeleq Menengai Geothermal, Sosian Menengai Geothermal Power and OrPower Twenty Two under a build-own-operate structure. Yet the ...

GA Drilling and Petrobras Partner Up To Spur Deep Drilling

GA Drilling  and Petrobras Join Forces to Revolutionize Deep Drilling Efficiency

By:Robert Buluma

In an era where technological advancements are redefining industries, the recent collaboration between GA Drilling and Petrobras marks a significant milestone in the energy sector. Announced on July 25, 2024, this partnership is set to transform the landscape of deep drilling, bringing unprecedented efficiency and cost reduction to the forefront.

A Game-Changing Partnership

GA Drilling , a leader in drilling innovations, has teamed up with Petrobras , one of the world's largest energy companies, to develop a next-generation downhole drilling system. This collaboration, involving Petrobras' renowned research and innovation center, Cenpes, promises to de-risk ultra-deep drilling while enhancing speed and extending tool life.

Cutting-Edge Technology

At the heart of this partnership lies GA Drilling pioneering downhole anchoring and drive system. This technology is set to be the cornerstone of an advanced autonomous reeled drilling system, which will enable deep and complex offshore wells to be drilled from light well intervention vessels. This approach is not only more efficient but also significantly more cost-effective, potentially saving up to 30% of well construction costs compared to traditional methods.

Benefits Beyond Cost Savings

The benefits of this innovative drilling technology extend beyond mere cost savings. By replacing conventional drill pipes with reeled continuous tubing, the system minimizes pipe handling hazards, reduces tripping times, and lowers well control risks. Moreover, sophisticated automation and control systems, coupled with real-time wireline communications, optimize the drilling process directly at the rock face, thousands of feet below the surface.

Advancing Geothermal Energy

Igor Kocis, CEO and co-founder of GA Drilling , highlights the broader implications of this technology: "Our drilling innovations not only enhance efficiency and reduce costs but also lower the overall operational footprint and risk." This partnership is a testament to GA Drilling mission to unlock geothermal energy globally, offering a clean, safe, and abundant energy source that operates independently of weather conditions or day-night cycles.

Cenpes: A Hub of Innovation

Cenpes, Petrobras' Research, Development, and Innovation Center, plays a crucial role in this partnership. Located in Rio de Janeiro, Cenpes boasts over 308,000 square meters of space, housing more than 116 laboratories and pilot plants equipped with state-of-the-art technologies. With a workforce of over 1,100 skilled employees, including doctors, masters, and technicians, Cenpes is at the forefront of pioneering technologies that drive the global oil, gas, and energy industry.

A Sustainable Future

Petrobras and Cenpes are committed to sustainability, continuously evolving to operate at low costs with a minimal carbon footprint. This partnership with GA Drilling aligns with their goal of developing sustainable technologies for the energy market, including decarbonization efforts and renewable energy development.

The Road Ahead

As GA Drilling and Petrobras move forward with this groundbreaking collaboration, the energy industry can anticipate significant advancements in drilling efficiency and cost reduction. This partnership not only paves the way for more sustainable energy production but also sets a new standard for innovation in the sector.

Oil companies having been going Geothermal lately and Exxon Mobil just Like Petrobras is amongst the many

Stay tuned for more updates as  GA Drilling and Petrobras continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in the world of deep drilling. Learn more about GA Drilling’s transformative technologies and their mission to revolutionize geothermal energy

Source :Globe News Wire

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