Utilisation of geothermal energy in Turkey using Hot Dry Rock technology : does this make sense for OMV from a technological and economic point of view

Abstract

"Hot Dry Rock is a technology utilizing geothermal energy, which may be at the beginning of a possible widespread commercial use and it potentially might play a major role in the future global energy supply. Turkey has promising sites for the application of HDR, fulfilling geological and geothermal prerequisites. Further due to an increasing economy in Turkey also the energy demand is growing. Based on these statements the main research question which shall be addressed within this study is whether or not the utilization of geothermal energy in Turkey using Hot Dry Rock technology makes sense for OMV from technological and economic point of view. This study explains systematically the principles and correlations how Hot Dry Rock technology works and how such reservoirs are created, what the prerequisites for a potential application in Turkey are, describes OMV´s suitability to HDR in Turkey and the project economics as well as analyzes involved risks and chances of success. The knowledge and information collected within this paper was gained through secondary research of the relevant scientific literature, expert interviews with professionals from the geothermal industry and within OMV, as well as data collected from OMV internal studies and site visits to geothermal power plants in France and Germany. One of the key findings of this study is that the technology at the current state of development is controllable. However, the technology implies high exploration risk and high economic uncertainties and is still in its infancy. Secondly, Turkey is a suitable location for geothermal projects, although better results with less risk involved may be achieved when applying other EGS technology at first rather than starting geothermal activities in Turkey with an HDR project. A third finding is that due to OMV internal prerequisites, it is recommended to enter the Turkish geothermal market together with a suitable partner."