Geothermal-Electric plant offshore using the ELI concept

Abstract

The technical and economical aspects of the ELI concept for the reutilization of existent oil/gas wells and installations in the North Sea is evaluated. The concept exploits geothermal energy by circulating a fluid in a closed loop thermally connected to a power plant on a platform to generate electricity. The main production costs of the electrical power generated is associated to the drilling of the connecting section between the two existing wells. The ELI concept in the North Sea might only be found economically attractive provided that drilling costs can be reduced by, at least, a factor of 10 compared to present cost level.