KARKAR, ARMENIA – SLIMHOLE DRILLING AND TESTING RESULTS AND REMOTE PROJECT MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW

Abstract

Two exploration slimhole wells have been completed to ~1600 m depth and tested at the Karkar Geothermal Field in Armenia. Results from the two wells indicate a geothermal resource with temperatures >120°C at ~1500 m depth with conductive bottomhole gradients of ~30°C/km, indicating possible temperatures of >160°C at viable drilling depths. Permeability in the tested lithologic sections is limited, however feasible permeability at commercial temperatures has been discovered to >3000 m depths in analogous fields throughout other geothermal areas in the world. The first exploration well, B-1, was completed and tested in September 2016. The second well, B-2, was completed and tested in November 2016.
The Armenian Renewable Resources and Energy Efficiency Fund (R2E2), an Armenian government affiliated company, is exploring the Karkar Geothermal Field to assess the geothermal energy potential of the site. Multiple companies from various countries collaborated to complete the project successfully. This included the World Bank (financial overseer), ISOR (Iceland, technical overseer), GM Engineering (Turkey, drilling), JRG Energy (New Zealand, well testing and geoscience), Sisian Passenger and Freight (Armenia, rig camp and transport).
The paper summarizes resource data collected from wells B-1 and B-2 and integrates the newly acquired results into the previous conceptual model for the Karkar Geothermal Field as a whole. This paper also summarizes the international project management efforts along with explanation of lessons learned and competitive strategies for future remote projects. Additional conclusions and recommendations are offered for future consideration.