IADC publishes document on Geothermal Well Classification
Cover page of the IADC Geothermal Well Classification (source: IADC Geothermal Committee)
Carlo Cariaga
20 Feb 2025
The IADC Geothermal Committee has published a document that aims to provide an international classification system for geothermal well construction.
The International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) Geothermal Committee has published the first edition of the IADC Geothermal Well Classification, which aims to present an international classification system for geothermal well construction that reflects the practicalities of “putting a hole in the ground,” the risks associated with drilling operations, and the long-term operation of the well.
We first reported on the work being done by the IADC Geothermal Committee in the first half of 2024. “We need to have some kind of standardized, international guidelines that we can point to that show – both to the industry and policymakers – that this is how we should drill these types of wells. We need to cut that red tape when it comes to rig specifications and equipment,” said Scott Farmer, Well Engineering Manager at Helmerich & Payne (H&P) and Chairman of the Geothermal Committee.
The Geothermal Well Classification aims to accomplish the following:
- Establish a foundational framework for the IADC Geothermal Well Drilling Guidelines, providing clear context to distinguish well types and define the necessary equipment, standards, processes, and training for their safe and e;icient construction and operation.
- Act as a communication tool to bridge the gap between drilling and non-drilling professionals, using terminology familiar to the broader drilling industry to facilitate informed discussions.
- Present the complexities and unique challenges of geothermal well drilling in a clear and accessible manner, avoiding excessive technical detail while emphasizing project-specific drilling risks for comparison.
- Identify gaps in the supply chain that may hinder geothermal project development, enabling IADC members to address these challenges and develop geothermal-specific solutions.
This classification will also serve as the foundation for a complexity calculator, designed to provide a clear and accessible visual representation of the complexities and unique challenges associated with geothermal wells. The calculator is still in development and is expected to be released following the publication of this document.
Moreover, the IADC Geothermal Committee will be holding the first IADC Geothermal Drilling Conference & Exhibition on 25-26 March 2025 in Vienna, Austria. Registration for the event is ongoing.
Source: IADC Geothermal Committee
