Innovation in geothermal energy

A new approach to traditional energy

Expanding the frontiers of sustainable energy with innovative solutions

 

Geothermal energy, that naturally exploits terrestrial heat, is a primary, continuous, reliable source of energy and one of the cleanest and most sustainable.

The development and exploitation of this resource on a large scale are of great interest to Saipem, and they are possible thanks to the technologies, knowledge and assets close to our core business.

The know-how and the technologies, which have made us leaders in drilling and E&C operations in the Oil & Gas sector globally, also enabled us to achieve, along the last 40 years, significant goals in developing projects linked to the exploitation of conventional geothermal energy in Italy, South America and Africa.

The target of Saipem is becoming a reliable provider of technical solutions and contractor in the project execution phase also in this field.

Today the field of geothermal energy is facing a new paradigm: extending geothermal resources beyond conventional application.

Innovation strategy:
the three fundamental pillars

 

In this context, recognising the strategic value of geothermal energy for a sustainable transition in the energy-mix, Saipem has launched a Research and Development programme dedicated to the exploitation of geothermal resources, transcending conventional technical and geographical boundaries, based on three fundamental pillars.

 

Marine geothermal energy

The potential of offshore geothermal resources, which is estimated to be greater than on land, has been poorly investigated to date. Finding energy solutions for its large-scale exploitation, also in combination with the coproduction of fresh water, green hydrogen and ammonia, can significantly contribute to the global energy transition.

Saipem with its consolidated expertise in subsea and deep-water activities (even in harsh and challenging environments) is now assessing the industrial feasibility of solutions for the exploitation of marine geothermal resources.

Next generation geothermal systems

A series of new technologies, currently under development and based on processes typical of the Oil & Gas industry, could enable the extension of energy conversion to geothermal resources poorly exploitable or difficult to access. In particular, closed-loop systems can fit with the exploitation of the geothermal resource by introducing a fluid to harness deep heat, thus avoiding polluting emissions.

Saipem has the necessary know-how to support the development of unconventional geothermal solutions, leveraging the skills that have made the company a leader in drilling activities worldwide.

Repurposing of Oil & Gas wells

The conversion of depleted hydrocarbon wells into geothermal wells represents an innovative alternative to plug and abandonment. Exploiting the available heat stored in existing hydrocarbon deposits, rather than cementing and closing the wells, allows to adopt a circular economy and sustainable approach for those depleted or depleting hydrocarbon reservoirs fitting with such opportunity.

Saipem is so also committed to finding solutions to enhance the geothermal potential of Oil & Gas wells with different characteristics.

Moreover, Saipem recognizes the importance of geothermal energy also for the hybridization of close-to-market projects and technologies by carrying out the following commercial activities.

BluenzymeTM and low-medium geothermal energy

 

Analysing the entire CCS chain (Carbon Capture, Transport & Storage), the energy consumption of the CO2 capture process represents a non-negligible burden both in terms of costs and additional emissions.

Saipem has developed the Bluenzyme™ technological solution, based on an innovative enzymatic CO2 capture process, that allows us to use low-medium geothermal energy as process energy to further reduce emissions.

 

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Co-products of geothermal energy

 

The fluids in geothermal reservoirs can contain high quantities of minerals important for the energy and digital transition (such as lithium and boron). The exploitation of these minerals can further improve the interest into and the importance of the geothermal resources.

Saipem is committed to identify mature and developing technologies for the extraction of raw materials combined with geothermal energy.

Finally, recognizing the paramount role of collaboration and knowledge sharing with key partners of the industry, Saipem has signed agreements with players specialized in the geothermal energy sector to jointly carry out studies aimed to assess and map existing technological gaps in the offshore and unconventional geothermal sector and to identify new solutions We are also establishing or renewing additional collaborations to further strengthen our commitment to the subject.

Saipem is furthermore open to team up with all those players that can provide an added value in building reliable proposals for the exploitation of the geothermal resources.

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