Abby L. Harvey
GHG Monitor
5/16/2014
The Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory last week issued a Request for Information seeking research on challenges related to subsurface engineering. Such information is desired due to its potential application in advancing research of the storage of energy, CO2 and nuclear waste. NETL may use information submitted to develop competitive Funding Opportunity Announcements, the winners of which will receive financial assistance to develop innovative, transformative technologies. The purpose of the RFI, is more specifically “to seek information … on critical subsurface knowledge and/or technology gaps that, if filled, will enable significant improvements in our understanding of the character and behavior of the subsurface environment and improve our ability to access, predict, manipulate and monitor the subsurface.” Responses to the RFI are due to NETL by May 23.
NETL is interested in four specific areas of research which have been identified as priorities to the Department of Energy.
- Intelligent wellbores: New materials and enhancements to existing materials for casing; lost circulation mitigation materials, and drilling fluids; diagnostic and monitoring technologies; and remediation technology and techniques.
- Induced seismicity: Research relative to the nature of and controls on induced seismicity; the information induced seismicity can provide on changing in situ stress conditions and critical stress states in the subsurface; the potential for developing accurate, real-time stress state monitoring; and the possibilities for predicting, avoiding and/or mitigating felt seismicity.
- Control of fractures and subsurface fluid flow: Quick control of induced fracturing and subsurface fluid control would greatly improve efficient and environmentally safe use of the subsurface.
- New subsurface signals: Research aimed at the potential to dynamically control and manages subsurface fractures, associated flow, and reactions.
The RFI noted the importance of this research in terms of the energy and environment, “Subsurface reservoirs account for more than 80 percent of U.S. primary energy, and they offer vast potential for the storage of energy, CO2, and nuclear waste,” the RFI states. “Despite decades of development, current technologies do not allow full utilization of subsurface energy resources; for example, only roughly 10 to 40 percent of the oil and gas is recovered from shale and conventional reservoirs, respectively. Major advances in our understanding of the subsurface environment coupled with the identification and development of potential ‘game-changing’ technologies are needed to revolutionize utilization of the subsurface for energy production and storage while also protecting the environment.”
