TransGeo
Transforming abandoned wells for geothermal energy production
Large amounts of oil and gas were produced in Central Europe from thousands of deep wells, but
after decades of production many of the hydrocarbon wells are abandoned or must soon be
abandoned. The declining hydrocarbon industry leaves behind an enormous infrastructure and
thousands of highly skilled workers, especially in rural areas facing multiple economic and social
challenges. Instead of abandoning unused wells, they can be used for geothermal energy production
and heat storage to support local communities and industries in the energy transition. However, this
potential is largely underutilised due to economic uncertainties and non-technical barriers.
The overall objective of TRANSGEO is to enable a structural change from a fossil-fuel producing
hydrocarbon industry towards sustainable green energy provision from geothermal energy sources
within Central Europe with focus on rural areas.
Our approach of applying established geothermal technologies and workflows to the conditions of
existing hydrocarbon infrastructure and matching it with local energy demand and heating networks
is highly innovative.
The main outputs include a transnational well repurpose potential assessment, site-specific
feasibility studies, validated well repurpose methodologies, a web-based tool for assessment of well
repurpose potential, and a transnational strategy and action plan. The uptake of these outputs will be
ensured by a Cooperation Agreement for long-term support of well repurposing in Central Europe.
Transnational cooperation is indispensable because of the following reasons: (i) technological,
legislative, economic and social challenges related to structural change and heat transition are very
similar in the considered regions; (ii) competences and expertise of project partners operating in
science, industry, regional development and regulation in different countries are essential for the
development of joint novel solutions for well repurposing.