Repurposing Hydrocarbon Wells for Geothermally-heated Horticulture in the UK

Nibbs, W., Westaway, R. and Falcone, G. (2023) Repurposing Hydrocarbon Wells for Geothermally-heated Horticulture in the UK. In: European Geothermal Congress 2022, Berlin, Germany, 17-21 October 2022, ISBN 9782960194623

Abstract

Despite an abundance of accessible subsurface heat, geothermal energy remains under-exploited in the UK; lagging the progress made by other European countries. By repurposing abandoned hydrocarbon wells, geothermal technologies – for example, deep borehole heat exchangers (DBHEs) – can ‘mine’ low-enthalpy energy from the subsurface while avoiding new drilling costs, thus reducing financial risks. Previous work has determined the most suitable candidates for geothermal repurposing using a systematic data-screening analysis of onshore UK hydrocarbon wells (Watson et al., 2020). The research herein aimed to predict the thermal performance of a single-well candidate site (KM-8), in the Kirby Misperton gas field of North-East England, and assess its feasibility for commercial greenhouse spatial heating. A dual-continuum numerical model is implemented in MATLAB© to determine DBHE thermal power outputs, including site-specific geology borehole dimensioning and temperature-dependent material properties. Greenhouse energy modelling is performed using a commercial greenhouse simulation software (Hortinergy©) including: local weather forecasting; greenhouse dimensioning, materials and screens; desired internal climate settings; and greenhouse configuration (conventional (open), semiclosed or closed). Greenhouse load-following DBHE operating conditions are met by PID circulation flowrate control in conjunction with a plate heat-exchanger and heat pump system at surface. The parasitic loads, emissions savings and economic feasibility of the system are also considered. The study shows that repurposing KM-8 has the potential to meet annual heating demands of a commercial-scale greenhouse. Repurposing abandoned wells presents a tangible opportunity to harness the UK geothermal resource as a strategic clean alternative to natural gas in greenhouse horticulture; supplying thermal energy to a ‘green’ greenhouse market post-Brexit. Facilitating knowledge and skills transfer between the petroleum and geothermal sectors will accelerate the decarbonisation of greenhouse heating, improving the sustainability of food production.

• Item Type: Conference Proceedings
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Falcone, Professor Gioia and Nibbs, William and Westaway, Dr Robert
• Authors: Nibbs, W., Westaway, R., and Falcone, G.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering; College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
• ISBN: 9782960194623
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Proceedings EGC 2022
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy

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