Our Services
RESPEC has worked on geothermal research and development worldwide, from the United States to Colombia to New Zealand. Our work in Canada and Guatemala advances geothermal energy development, helping clients explore, drill, develop, and manage their projects. Because of our global experience in both high-enthalpy hydrothermal and low-enthalpy sedimentary heat systems, we can guide you through your geothermal project, no matter your location or resource.
Please note: RESPEC does not directly fund geothermal projects, but we can help with funding applications. Ask us!
Preliminary Studies and Surface Exploration
Reconnaissance performed by RESPEC typically consists of visiting active geothermal manifestations to characterize temperature, electric conductivity, pH, flow, geochemistry, presence of gas bubbles/composition, odors, precipitates in fluid, and using GPS to support detailed mapping. Geologic data includes maps of the study area, cross sections, regional and local structures, fault kinematics, and alteration mineralogy. Geophysical surveys and interpretation include magnetics, gravity, magnetotellurics, and passive microseismic monitoring. In the case of a sedimentary basin system, oil and gas well data are used to characterize the target reservoirs and temperatures—all available data are integrated into a conceptual model of the geothermal system for direct use or power generation resource potential analysis. Based on the understanding of fluid flow, the conceptual model is used to target and design exploration wells to prove the resource potential.
Drilling the first wells in any project represents the period of greatest risk. RESPEC prefers to drill two to three slim-hole deep wells to determine the commercial feasibility of the resource. Drilling wells, logging, and flow testing significantly improve the understanding of the available resource, allowing for energy reserve estimation, production thickness and petrophysical characteristics identification, and geothermal system and power evaluation.
Drilling Exploration
Feasibility Studies
After drilling exploration wells the RESPEC team will develop a “bankable” feasibility study and financial analysis to support a commercial decision. The team will develop a conceptual design of wells, resource production and power generation facilities, and transmission lines, and estimate capital and operating/maintenance budgets. Terms of a power sales agreement can be estimated to model the key commercial indicators such as return on investment, net present value, and payback.
RESPEC can manage the detailed design, specifications and procurement packages resulting in the efficient transition to construction of the project. Typical procurement packages for drilling include multiple contracts with service providers such as rig, cement and the contract can be with RESPEC or the client. A strategy for remote overseas projects is to have one contract with the drilling service provider and require all other service contracts and consumable be their responsibility to reduce the potential for “standby charges.”
During drilling and surface construction RESPEC typically is Owner’s Engineer (OE). RESPEC engineers and scientists have experience contracting for the design and implementation of drilling and constructing resource production and power generation facilities, direct heat use, and operating and maintenance contracts. Procurement packages and contract approaches can vary and change the risk profile of the company and contractors. The funding entity usually is involved in the procurement decisions, which may include the following:
- Contracts with equipment and service providers
- Engineer/Procure/Construct (EPC)
- EPC/Manage
- EPCM/Operate for a period then transfer to the client
Well Drilling, Resource Production, and Power Plant and Transmission Line Construction
Start-up and Operations
The start-up and operational phase begins after a plant is constructed. After confirming the supply of resources through drilling, optimizing production is the main objective. RESPEC recommends a formal turnover system from the constructor with a punch list to clearly define the transfer of responsibility for high-consequence engineering systems.
RESPEC has participated in due diligence reviews for potential investors at all stages of the geothermal process. We have also completed due diligence analysis as a third party for potential private investors or financial institutions. Due diligence reviews include technical resource modeling and economic analysis. Typical deliverables include a data gap analysis, data and modeling quality control, and review of economic assumptions and development potential and options. Final reporting allows the developer to check internal work in preparation for a project development stage gate decision or final investment decision.
Due Diligence
