Stanford Geothermal WorkshopFebruary 9-11, 2026

Indonesia, situated within the geologically active Ring of Fire, is the world's second-largest producer of geothermal energy, a testament to its significant geothermal potential. Streamlining the drilling process for geothermal wells can further bolster Indonesia's geothermal infrastructure, substantially contributing to global climate action in alignment with the sustainable development goals. This paper presents a case study demonstrating the successful integration of innovative hybrid polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) and roller cone technology, which contributed significantly to reducing drilling days in a West Java geothermal well. This initiative accelerates renewable energy drilling goals and sets a precedent for sustainable development. The challenging igneous lithology of the Darajat field in West Java necessitated innovative solutions. In a remarkable display of collaboration, the geothermal operator and service provider jointly designed and implemented drilling strategies featuring hybrid drill bit technology in the 17 ½-inch section of the well. This strategic approach not only enhanced drilling efficiency and overcame geological complexities but also ensured the economic viability and success of geothermal projects, underscoring the power of collaboration and innovation in our industry. By combining the cutting action capabilities of polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) and roller cone technologies, the hybrid drill bits have proven to be a game-changer in drilling through challenging and interbedded volcanic formations, significantly boosting drilling performance. The initial application of hybrid drill bit technology in the 17½-inch section contributed to a remarkable result in the Darajat field, setting new s for geothermal drilling performance. The hybrid bit contributed to a superior drilling performance by achieving an average rate of penetration (ROP) of 48.03 ft/hr in one run to target depth, marking a substantial 58% increase in ROP compared to the offset tricone bit. Afterwards, this hybrid bit was rerun to drill the next well and achieved an average ROP of 62.5 ft/hr in one run to target depth, a 106% increase of ROP compared to the offset tricone bit. This successful deployment contributed to extended drilling intervals and significantly reduced drilling time, underscoring the transformative impact of hybrid drill bit technology in geothermal applications. This study sheds light on the collaborative efforts between operators and bit service providers, leading to pioneering advancements in geothermal drilling technology within the challenging igneous formations of the Darajat Field. Integrating hybrid drill bit technology is a testament to innovation and excellence within the geothermal society, offering valuable insights for engineers operating in similar demanding geothermal environments. By enhancing drilling efficiency and reliability, adopting hybrid drill bit technology presents a transformative contribution to advancing geothermal production capabilities.

Topic: Drilling