A decision-support tool for repurposing hydrocarbon wells for geothermal application in France

Overview & Synopsis

The opportunities and barriers relating to the conversion of hydrocarbon wells in France for the development of geothermal energy have been studied by Ineris and BRGM since several years, particularly following the promulgation of Law No. 2017-1839 of 30 December 2017 putting an end to the exploration and the exploitation of hydrocarbons in France. The law also provides for the study of the potential for repurposing hydrocarbon facilities for other uses of the subsoil and, in particular, the opportunities for developing geothermal energy projects. In this context, BRGM and Ineris have developed, with the support of the General Direction of Risk Prevention (DGPR), a decision-support tool for public authorities based on flowcharts to identify the eligibility of hydrocarbon wells for conversion to geothermal uses. The repurposing requires to verify several criteria as the well accessibility, the energy needs identified near the facility, the presence of geothermal resources, the technologies and energy exchange systems for exploiting these resources that can be developed, the well integrity (cementing and casings) and potential work to apply before repurposing, the environmental and operational risks associated with the conversion and the regulatory framework in France.