ZoDrEx (Zonal Isolation, Drilling and Exploitation of EGS Projects)

ZoDrEx is a consortium consisting of ten European universities, research institutes and companies that have come together to improve EGS (Enhanced Geothermal Systems) technologies, including drilling, zonal isolation and development of geothermal inhibitors. Zonal isolation helps to improve the long-term economy and reduces the risk of a project as it allows for fewer wells to produce more energy.

Welltec contribution will be taking on two crucial challenges to ensuring the optimal utilization of geothermal fluids to secure high output for geothermal plants. Welltec will create an External Casing Packer (ECP) capable of handling borehole breakouts in crystalline formations and a lower well flow valve with long lifespan under geothermal exposure, thereby securing robust zonal isolation.

Extensive simulation will be carried out to create a borehole breakout ECP and a lower well flow valve that will be capable of handling harsh geothermal conditions for long lifespan wells. The ECP and flow valve will be tested in-house, while a zonal isolation setup will be tested in granite in Bedretto Gallery in Switzerland along with other ZoDrEx member’s contributions.