Advancing Geothermal Drilling Techniques in Canada

能源脱碳和能源储存是世界能源未来的关键要素。在加拿大，寒冷的气候意味着对可靠的热能和电力的巨大需求。在北方，所有的热能和电能都是靠高价进口的柴油来提供的。土著社区依赖于这种昂贵的、富含碳的能源，它也是一种火灾危险和潜在的污染物。深层岩体中的地热能有望为偏远社区提供热能和电力，提高他们的生活质量，并为社区活动开辟新的可能性。在地球深处，岩石的温度足以提取有益的能量。在低渗透性岩石中，这需要通过定向钻井小心地布置多个钻孔，并通过水力压裂连接。压裂后，在最佳位置的井对之间建立连通，流体在岩体中循环，将热量带到地表，用于发电和供暖。Dusseault博士将与Scientific Drilling International（加拿大）公司合作。推进硬岩（低孔隙度沉积岩、火成岩）深层地热钻孔定向钻井技术。采用锤钻法的定向钻井方法评估是研究的基础，也是评估不同布井方式的地热效率潜力的基础，需要确定最佳布井策略。为了降低钻井成本，使加拿大北方地区更容易获得地热能，将对这些问题的井设计和各种监测方法进行研究

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