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An Evaluation of Direct Use Project Drilling Costs

Dolenc, Max R.; Childs, Frank W.; Allman, David W.; Sanders, Ray D.

Key words
Direct Use; Drilling; USA; Western States; South Dakota; Montana; Colorado; Utah; Nevada; Idaho; Drilling Costs; Depth; Sedimentary Rock; Volcanic Rock; Rig Mobilization; Day Rate; Footage Rate; Acidize; Perforate; Lost Circulation; Sloughing
Conference
Geothermal Resources Council Transactions
Year
1983
Session
Direct use; Drilling; Economics
Language
English

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Abstract

This study evaluates drilling and completion costs from eleven low to moderate temperature geothermal projects carried out under the Program Opportunity Notice (PON) and User Coupled Confirmation Drilling Programs. Projects under both programs are administered by the Department of Energy Idaho Operations Office. The balance of PON projects were administered by other DOE field offices. Several studies have evaluated geothermal drilling cost, particularly with respect to high temperature system drilling costs. This study evaluates drilling costs and individual cost elements for low to moderate temperature projects. It considers the effect of drilling depth, rock types, remoteness of location, rig size, and unique operating and subsurface conditions on the total drilling cost. This detailed evaluation should provide the investor in direct use projects with approximate cost projections by which the economics of such project can be evaluated.

Copyright 1983, Geothermal Resources Council. Readers who download papers from this site should honour the copyright of the original authors, and may not copy or distribute the work further without the permission of the original publisher.

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