Research Project GRE GEO

GEOTHERMICA launches Project “Glass Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Casing System for Geothermal Application (GRE GEO)”

Some of the main challenges in geothermal are corrosion and scaling. A multinational consortium of geothermal experts has launched the GEOTHERMICA project to develop a new glass fiber reinforced epoxy casing system, for geothermal application in short GRE GEO. The casing system can be used in new installations as well as utilized for workover for old wells. Furthermore, the project will include the guidelines and tools for the design, qualification, and installation of the GRE piping system.

Corrosion and scaling significantly reduces the lifespan of traditionally used steel casing systems, which must guarantee the wellbore integrity. Consequently, workover procedures are forced earlier than expected and become a substantial financial burden. In contrast, Glass fiber casings (GRE) do provide a much-desired alternative as this material is corrosion resistant. However, in comparison with steel, GRE pipes up to now are only available in relatively small inner diameters and with excessively large outer diameters. The GRE-GEO (glass fiber reinforced epoxy casing for geothermal application) project will develop a new well completion strategy, that aims to establish a corrosion-resistant alternative to decrease the development and production costs of geothermal energy, while avoiding extra investments.

The consortium consists of eight partners:
• gec-co Global Engineering & Consulting Company GmbH, Germany, main coordinator
• DrillTec GUT GmbH, Germany
• TU Clausthal (ITE), Germany
• Future Pipe Industries (FPI), The Netherlands, National Leader
• Dynaflow Research Group DRG, The Netherlands
• Nuclear Research and Consultancy NRG, The Netherlands
• Eartha AG, Switzerland
• Service Industriels de Genève, Switzerland, cooperation partner