Drilling Technology

A widespread utilization of geothermal energy requires cost-effective deep drilling. The research field “Drilling Technology” is expected to make serious contributions by researching innovative methods of deep drilling in hot hard rock.

The main objective of this research field is the construction of deep wells of high mechanical integrity into “hot-hard-rock” formation at significantly lower costs. This objective should be achieved by:

• new drilling technologies which allow utilization of smaller and less complex equipment

• new technologies which generate a smaller initial diameter of the well and, accordingly, smaller consumption of drilling fluid, pipe steel and cement

• new drilling processes which can increase the rate of penetration and reduce the productive drilling time

• new technologies that allow increase of system reliability

• improved drilling and well integrity under high pressures and temperatures

Coordinator: Dr. Catalin Teodoriu