The History of Geothermal Drilling
Of course, there is not a single history but a number of regional evolutions which were influenced by geology, government policy, regulations, and/or influences from other drilling applications/industries. We thought it might be good to reflect on where we have been as we prepare to move forward. We’ll hear from some of the true fossils and those with links to the past.
Moderator:
- Brock Yordy / The Driller Newscast
Panelists:
- Stan Reitsma / GeoSource Energy
- Cary Smith / GreyEdge Group
- Dave Rosick / Rosick Well Drilling
- Adam Santry / Allied Geothermal, LLC
- Tyler Harbeck / GeoPro, Inc.
Session YouTube Recording
No Presentation Deck
Evolving Geothermal Drilling to Meet Demand
This program brings together drilling companies from NYS, Maryland, and Ontario to share ideas on how to grow geothermal drilling capacity in NYS and throughout the Northeast. They will talk about the investments that need to be made in equipment and long-term training to meet the demand projected for GSHPs. They will also discuss the need for standardization to assist in containing pricing, shortening training times and assuring quality installations.
Moderator:
- Kortney Lull / Midwest Drilling
Panel:
- Brock Yordy / The Driller Newscast
- Ryan Carda / Dandelion Energy
- Jeff Smith / Smith Well Drilling
- Jim Utter / Utter Well Drilling
- Scott Smith / NYSERDA
- Gino Di Rezze / Groundheat
Session YouTube Recording
No Presentation Deck
Geology Matters: Thermal Conductivity Testing, Drill Logs
On larger geothermal drilling projects, knowledge of the site geology is critical to the project economics and management of risks. The thermal properties from a TC test help determine the final geothermal heat exchanger design, but the companion detailed drilling log is more about managing risks for the drilling contractors bidding the project. A single test bore provides a snapshot of what can be expected for the project but not certainty about the entire project. How should the uncertainties for things like the amount of casing, water management, gas deposits or environmental contamination be managed on a project? Lack of understanding of the drilling contractors’ perspective from specifying engineers can lead to unequal bids and/or significant change orders. This session looks to spur a dialog about how to approach these matters…related to site geology.
Moderator:
- Kevin Moravec / Barney Moravec, Inc.
Panel:
- Kortney Lull / Midwest Drilling
- Richard Moravec / Barney Moravec, Inc.
- Garen Ewbank / GreyEdge Group
- Jeff Urlaub / Salas O’Brien
Session YouTube Recording
No Presentation Deck
Drilling Off Center…But On Purpose
Angled Drilling Applications
For most geothermal vertical drilling projects, the straighter the borehole the better! But given the right set of circumstances, drilling at an angle has some distinct advantages. This program brings together people with the experience and equipment capable of drilling off center, on-purpose! You’ll learn where it’s being applied and the advantages offered on these projects.
Moderator:
- Dave Hermantin / Brightcore
Panel:
- Stan Reitsma / GeoSource Energy
- Stefan Swartling / Urban Geothermal Solutions
- Dmitry Kuravskiy / Celsius Energy
Session YouTube Recording
Presentation Deck: Drilling Off Center
Easier Said Than Done! What You Need to Know About Going Beyond 500'
NY-GEO and other stakeholder groups are pushing for modifications to the geothermal drilling regulations and permitting that can be very costly to a project. The advantages of fewer boreholes with a smaller footprint, less well casing expense and generally increased access to GSHP technology for more of NYS’s buildings. Focusing on advantages of lowering the regulatory and permitting expenses to go beyond 500 feet should not overshadow the discussion of the potential added cost and risks of going deeper experienced by drillers. This panel will offer a range of experiences regarding deeper closed loop geothermal ground loops from New York, Massachusetts and parts of Canada.
- Moderator:
Kevin Moravec / Barney Moravec, Inc.
Panelists:
- Stan Reitsma / GeoSource Energy
- Tyler Wills / Smith Well Drilling
- Mark Metzner / CDM Smith
- Jeremy Baldwin / Hawk Drilling
Session YouTube Recording
No Presentation Deck