ThermoWell: Thermal Resource Extraction from a Standing Column Well

Project Description

Deep Standing Column Wells (DSCW) represent a promising technology to support the uptake of deep geothermal energy solutions in Ireland compared to traditional deep geothermal and large-scale ground source heat technologies. The high capital expenditure and associated risk of unknown subsurface conditions that have stunted the growth of a geothermal industry in Ireland to date could be offset by the use of high thermal capacity DSCWs. The ThermoWell project will test and demonstrate the viability of this technology by drilling a DSCW at a site at Hotwell House, Enfield, Co. Meath, where several previous geological investigations have taken place. The completed DSCW will be subject to a state-of-the-art monitoring and testing programme which will include amongst others, thermal response testing and fibre optic distributed temperature sensing. All the data collected as part of the ThermoWell project will feed into a geological and hydrogeological assessment of the finished well. A final report outlining the totality of works undertaken will be produced. This report will give a breakdown of the thermal capacity and cost of a DSCW when compared with traditional deep geothermal exploration and shallow geothermal technologies. The ThermoWell project aims to demonstrate how suitable and applicable DSCWs are to Irish geological conditions and showcase an alternative way to utilise subsurface heat resources.