Innovation in geothermal energy

A new approach to traditional energy

Expanding the frontiers of sustainable energy with innovative solutions

 

Geothermal energy, which harnesses the Earth's natural heat, is a primary, continuous, reliable, and among the cleanest and most sustainable energy sources.

Large-scale enhancement and exploitation of this resource represent areas of great interest for Saipem, thanks to the use of technologies, expertise, and assets closely related to our core business.

The know-how and technological development that have made Saipem a leader in drilling and plant construction activities for Oil & Gas worldwide have also led, in the past, to the development of projects related to the exploitation of conventional geothermal energy in Italy, South America, and Africa.

The field of geothermal energy is now facing a new paradigm: extending geothermal resources beyond conventional use

Innovation strategy: the fundamental pillars

In this context, recognising the strategic importance of geothermal energy in the energy mix for a sustainable transition, Saipem invests in research and development to expand the potential of geothermal energy and its large-scale adoption through advanced and sustainable technological solutions. We are currently working on four key areas:

 

The reuse of data from drilled wells, existing infrastructure, and knowledge gained in the Oil and Gas sector represents a strategic lever to foster the growth of geothermal energy. This solution allows:

  • Utilising already available geological and reservoir information, reducing the need for new surveys
  • Accelerating the development of geothermal projects, optimising time and costs
  • Reducing environmental impact, leveraging an approach based on established assets and know-how.

In-depth knowledge of the subsurface and expertise gained in the Oil & Gas sector not only allow for significant cost and risk reductions in low- and medium-enthalpy geothermal projects but also serve as a fundamental safeguard for safety. The integrated approach, from initial characterisation to numerical modeling, up to design and operational management, allows for the prevention of critical issues and mitigation of potential hazards at every stage of development. Furthermore, the integration of surface solutions for various geothermal resource applications (electricity production, direct heat, district heating, and industrial uses) ensures complete control, thereby reducing operational and environmental risks.
Saipem is developing an integrated approach that combines:

  • Existing data and technical mapping of the subsurface
  • Geological and engineering analyses for basin characterisation
  • Advanced economic models to assess the feasibility and sustainability of geothermal projects.

The goal is to define a globally replicable methodology in low- and medium-enthalpy sedimentary basins, identifying the most efficient and sustainable technological solution.
In collaboration with the University of Urbino (Italy), Saipem is also developing an approach to assess the feasibility of converting inactive wells into geothermal plants, designed for low- and medium-enthalpy sedimentary basins worldwide.

Geothermal brines are a valuable resource not only for energy production but also for the extraction of critical minerals (such as lithium, boron, etc.) and other strategic elements for the energy transition and various high-value markets.
Our activities aim to combine innovative extraction and separation technologies with large-scale industrial plants, including dedicated solutions for water management and treatment. All this with a view to sustainability and maximising the value of resources.

Closed-loop geothermal systems (or Advanced Geothermal Systems - AGS) represent a technological frontier that allows the exploitation of the Earth's heat without fluid extraction, eliminating geological and contamination risks and reducing environmental impact. In these systems, a fluid circulates in sealed pipes without direct contact with rocks or subsurface fluids, without the need to produce geothermal fluids, making them suitable even in areas with limited resources and in the absence of reservoirs.
Saipem is studying solutions based on:

  • Innovative designs to maximise heat exchange
  • High-performance insulation systems to optimise efficiency and ensure long-lasting performance
  • Modular configurations to facilitate scalability and adaptation to different geological contexts.

Saipem, which has always operated at sea and in the underwater domain, often at prohibitive depths, is committed to assessing the industrial feasibility of solutions for the enhancement of marine geothermal resources.
Feasibility assessments for offshore geothermal projects aim to identify sustainable technical and economic solutions, considering the geological and thermal characteristics of the site and opportunities for reuse of existing infrastructure. This approach allows for cost and time reductions, postponement of possible decommissioning costs, minimisation of environmental impact, and acceleration of the energy transition.
The analyses include:
•    Study of geothermal conditions and generation potential
•    Verification of the compatibility of offshore assets with geothermal systems
•    Integration with hybrid solutions
•    Technical-economic evaluation and scalability scenarios.

Finally, recognising the fundamental role of collaboration with key partners in the sector, Saipem has signed agreements with companies specialised in the geothermal sector and with Research Centres, to develop innovative solutions and accelerate the spread of sustainable technologies.

Our geothermal solutions

 

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