Geothermal District Heating | SLB

Geothermal district heating for thermal comfort

Using geothermal energy to meet heating needs, sustainably and locally

Abstract 3D image symbolizing geoenergy
Parisian suburbs—Grigny and Viry-Chatillon
Image courtesy of GPC IP. Learn how we helped two Parisian suburbs, Grigny and Viry-Chatillon, access affordable and reliable geothermal heat. This expansion project for heat generation will supply 65% renewable energy to more than 8,000 homes.

Decarbonize district heating systems with reliable, local renewable energy

How can we use what's beneath our feet as a source of heat with lower carbon intensity? Geothermal district heating is a low-carbon energy solution for meeting thermal comfort needs in our homes and workplaces. Over 80 countries use geothermal district heating to address heating demand. This helps save electricity and fight energy poverty by using a clean and reliable renewable energy source instead of fossil fuels.

Successful projects require addressing key factors by municipalities, utilities, engineering firms, and drilling contractors involved in their development and execution. Managing costs, reducing risks, adhering to regulatory and environmental standards, and meeting deadlines are crucial for completing projects and winning future contracts.

A geothermal partner you can have confidence in
SLB offers many technologies and solutions for drilling hot-water wells for district heating and power projects. We can help you plan and complete your project, whether it's a shallow doublet or a more intricate deep geothermal system. Our portfolio includes both discrete and integrated solutions to help you meet your district heating goals.

✔ Analyze your reservoir using digital workflows for initial feasibility studies.

✔ Characterize and model the reservoir during exploration to determine its potential.

✔ Simulate fluid and heat flows in the reservoir to derisk long-term sustainability.

✔ Improve well placement by landing your well in the best part of the reservoir using measurements-while-drilling (MWD) tools.

✔ Maximize drilling efficiencies and costs, no matter your geologic challenge, e.g., thin reservoir and fractured rock.

✔ Increase rate of penetration (ROP) and minimize fatigue on casing strings with rotary steerable systems and motors.

✔ Drill through various types of rocks—from hard sedimentary to abrasive volcanic—using bottomhole assemblies (BHAs) and drill bits.

✔ Ensure drilling equipment works well in high temperatures by using the right blend of drilling fluids. This includes temperatures ranging from 60 degC to  200 degC.

✔ Achieve zonal isolation and necessary compressive strength with low-carbon cement solutions.

✔ Mitigate stuck pipe and ensure long-lasting solutions for the well's lifespan with geothermal-appropriate casing.

✔ Minimize technical risk, delays, and lost-in-hole equipment by using an integrated approach to drilling.

A breadth of experience to reduce risk and optimize geothermal project economics
SLB has over 50 years of experience in the geothermal industry. And we've drilled nearly 13,000 wells and approximately 25 million meters of oil and gas wells. Combined with innovative technology, this knowledge and expertise enable us to support your geothermal district heating project.