Radial Jet Drilling Stimulation in a Low-temperature Geothermal Well in Iceland

Abstract

One of the main goals within the EU Horizon 2020 supported project SURE (No 654662) is to investigate and test Radial Jet Drilling (RJD) technology with the aim of increasing performance of geothermal wells with low productivity or injectivity. Viability of using RJD as a potential technology to stimulate low performing geothermal wells is tested. The aim is to connect permeable structures to the main wellbore with multiple jetted laterals and subsequently test the effect and sustainability of such stimulation treatment. Two RJD operations were planned in the project, one in continental Europe and one in Iceland. The operation in Iceland, e.g. site selection, geological characteristics, targeting and the RJD field test, is described. Well HN-13, located in Botn N-Iceland and operated by power company Norðurorka, was selected for the RJD operation.