Exploration Drilling Project in Sokoria Geothermal Prospect

Abstract

Aside from the uncertainty in probing a prospect, geothermal exploration drilling is costly and can make or break an exploration, appraisal, and eventual development of a geothermal resource. This paper articulates 5-well exploration drilling project in Sokoria Geothermal Field during 2017-2018 including preparatory activities, execution of the drilling campaign, and drilling results. A key objective of this paper is to bring a new perspective about the challenges in drilling exploration wells in Indonesia. Drilling exploratory geothermal wells does not necessarily need to be expensive, does not need years to prepare, and can be managed by a slim yet effective drilling organization. The average cost of the exploration wells was significantly lower than the average cost of geothermal wells in Indonesia. The first exploration well was spudded within the same year the concession was acquired. All of these were achieved despite slim drilling organization and the remoteness of the location.