Water Supply for Big Bore Geothermal Well Drilling: A Case Study in Indonesia

Abstract

The development drilling campaign for Dieng unit 2 plant has a challenge in its drilling water supply. It is crucial in succeeding geothermal drilling activities. Million gallons of water shall be prepared throughout the drilling project duration. The technical and social aspects are assessed in order to achieve the solutions for the locals and the project. Availability of surface water from the near rivers or lakes should be placed as first priority because such sources are normally in appropriate properties for drilling. As in Indonesia, there are two seasons: rainy and summer, surface water availability is sometimes excessive during rainy seasons, but oppositely, it is deficient during summers. This paper is an assessment of the availability and properties of surface water, brine and condensate use from the geothermal plant byproducts. The study focuses on fluid’s availability, toxic material contaminations, dissolved metals. Fluid with environmentally harmful substance shall not be used as base fluid of mud and cement.