Geothermal and hydrocarbon esploration - The double play synergy

There is a clear synergy possible in geothermal and hydrocarbon exploration if wells are targeted in a double play concept. In the Netherlands, clastic aquifers which have been explored extensively by the hydrocarbon industry and are now targeted for geothermal energy qualify well for a double play. Through a simple example we demonstrate quantitatively the benefit of the double play in monetary risk and reward of an exploration project. Furthermore, we evaluated the potential effects of synergy for a synthetic portfolio of gas prospects in the Netherlands. It is shown that the potential benefits may be considerable and can lead to approximately 7 BCM additional gas being produced, and in the order of 10 geothermal doublets being developed