Advancing Geothermal Drilling Techniques in Canada

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Energy decarbonization and energy storage are key elements in the world's energy future. In Canada, the coldclimate means that a great need for reliable heat and electrical power exists. In the North, diesel fuel, importedat great cost, generates all heat and power. Indigenous communities depend on this costly, carbon-rich sourcethat is also a fire hazard and potential pollutant. Geothermal energy in deep rock masses promises to provideheat and power to remote communities, enhancing their life quality and opening new possibilities forcommunity activities.Deep in the earth, the rock is hot enough to extract beneficial energy. In low permeability rock, this requiresseveral boreholes, carefully placed through directional drilling, and connected through hydraulic fracturing.New drilling techniques are emerging for deep hard rock - hammer drilling with reverse circulation. Afterfracturing to establish communication between optimally placed well pairs, fluid circulates through the rockmass to bring heat to the surface, used for power and heating.Dr. Dusseault will work with Scientific Drilling International (Canada) Inc. to advance technologies fordirectional drilling of deep geothermal boreholes in hard rock (low porosity sedimentary rocks, igneous rocks).Assessment of directional drilling methodologies with hammer drilling methods is a basis of study, as well asevaluation of geothermal efficiency potential for different well placements, needed to decide on the best wellplacement strategies. Well designs and various monitoring approaches will be examined for these issues, withthe goal of reducing drilling costs and making geothermal energy more accessible for northern Canadian