Third Energy is working with specialists to determine the viability of re-purposing our gas wells for geothermal energy production. If successful this could have a revolutionary impact on the UK onshore oil and gas sector.
Ryedale District Council Partnership
As part of Third Energy’s transition from fossil fuels to renewables, we have been awarded BEIS funding in a project partnership with Ryedale District Council ("RDC"). The Heat Networks Directive Unit of BEIS have granted Third Energy and RDC £50,250 towards work which will determine the feasibility of introducing heat networks using Third Energy’s subsurface infrastructure. As part of the agreement Third Energy is required to provide match funding. BIES have also awarded a grant of £30,000 to RDC for community engagement to ensure local communities are informed and consulted on any plans so that their needs can be effectively taken into consideration through each stage.
Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy is a renewable and continuous source of thermal energy. Geothermal technology utilises naturally heated rock formations below the earth’s surface, bringing that heat above ground where it can be used. Geothermal is an emerging source of energy in the UK, having been successful in locations such as Iceland and the USA.
Investigations into the UK’s geothermal potential, have identified the north-east of England as having one of the UK’s largest known hydrothermal resources. It is estimated that the region’s aquifers have the potential energy to sustainably heat up to the equivalent of 33% of the UK’s households.
Third Energy are now assessing potential end uses for this heat source, including agricultural developments, leisure facilities and heat networks.
Third Energy have been working with Geon Limited, a collaboration between Geothermal Engineering Limited (GEL) and ARUP.
Geon Limited have conducted initial feasibility studies on our MN4, KM3, KM5, KM6, KM7, KM8, PK1, PK2, EM1 and EM2 wells.
Feasibility studies have confirmed the geothermal potential of Third Energy’s wells with several wells now being progressed by Geon to the design and development stage. Financial modelling and design work will confirm the precise repurposing strategy for the PK1 and PK2 wells and additional feasibility studies are being considered on EM1 and EM2.
Geon and GEL are leaders in geothermal development in the UK, having successfully drilled the UK’s first geothermal power plant wells in Cornwall and developed the UK’s first geothermal outdoor swimming pool, also in Cornwall.
In additional to the work carried out by Geon Limited Third Energy has entered into a heads of terms with renewable energy developer CeraPhi Energy (www.ceraphi.com) who’s proprietary technology is designed to reuse non-producing wells for clean energy production. This innovative technological solution and strategy is designed to help enable up to 500GW of additional geothermal energy in the next 30 years.
CeraPhi will be conducting an initial feasibility and conceptual studies to assess the commercial viability of repurposing the MN4, KM3 and KM8 wells.
Feasibility studies will focus on:
Direct heat use for agriculture
Residential heating/cooling
Downhole green hydrogen production
Incorporation of heat pumps for enhanced heat recovery
Current Projects
KM8
System proposed – Deep Coaxial system without bleed
Of the wells which have been selected for geothermal feasibility studies, KM8 is estimated to have the hottest base of well temperature.
KM8 is unperforated (i.e. has no openings to formation rock) and would need minimal intervention to fit a single borehole, closed-loop geothermal system.
Financial modelling and design work is being carried out for the KM8 project as well as additional feasibility work.
Predicted use – Low Carbon Greenhouses
MN4/KM3
System Proposed – Deep Coaxial with Bleed
The MN4/KM3 project has a high output potential and is accessible to local farming and potential residential heating. This project is in the ideal location to support local development in Low carbon green houses. Yorkshire’s Local Enterprise Partnership and Ryedale Distract Council are committed to the expansion of green energy solutions and energy efficient housing - this project would assist both in their Net Zero Goals.
Initial studies show this project’s output would be of great benefit to the community. Third Energy has commissioned additional feasibility studies and a project plan to evaluate the development opportunities.
PK1/2
System proposed – Open Loop Doublet
The Pickering project would utilise both wells on site, one to extract heat and the other to reinject cold fluid once the heat has been used. Early predictions estimate that the Pickering Project could have the highest output using a heat exchanger.
Third Energy has commissioned the detailed design work needed to develop this project further.
Predicted use – Eco heating for nearby holiday village and/or open-air swimming pool.