Innovative geothermal drilling company GA Drilling has announced that it has entered into a technical cooperation program with state-owned Brazilian multinational energy company Petrobras that will help bring into fruition GA Drilling’s next-generation downhole drilling system.
In cooperation with Cenpes, Petrobras’ research, development, and innovation center, the partnership pairs Petrobras with GA Drilling’s technology, a downhole anchoring and drive system that will form the cornerstone of an advanced autonomous reeled drilling system. The collaboration aims to enable deep and complex offshore wells to be drilled from a light well intervention vessel rather than a more costly semi-sub or drill ship, saving 30% of well construction cost.
GA Drilling’s novel system significantly improves drilling efficiency and enables the replacement of conventional drill pipe with reeled continuous tubing, thus minimizing pipe handling hazards, tripping times, and well control risk. The new technology includes sophisticated drilling automation and control systems and real-time wireline communications to the surface that optimizes and drives the drilling process downhole at the rock face rather than many thousands of feet above.
“Taken together, the benefits of our drilling technologies equal better efficiency, leading to lower costs, smaller operational footprint, and ultimately, lower risk overall,” said Igor Kocis, CEO and co-founder of GA Drilling.
“Working with Petrobras and Cenpes enables us to continue development at lightning speed, utilizing their state-of-the-art testing infrastructure and environments to advance our mission of global geothermal energy adoption.”
GA Drilling had recently announced a successful close of $15 million in financing from several investors, securing further investment to deliver deep geothermal faster and at deeper depths while remaining cost-effective. “Investing in drilling technologies is crucial for a smooth and efficient energy transition. By making ultra-deep drilling more environmentally friendly and cost-effective with our cutting-edge technology, we are not just improving current operations but also laying the groundwork for the future of clean energy,” said Kocis.
The partnership is unique as GA drilling specializes in geothermal drilling technology while Petrobras is well-known as one of the world’s largest oil and natural gas entities. Central to this partnership is the Leopoldo Américo Miguez de Mello Research, Development and Innovation Center (Cenpes), which is tasked with shaping Petrobras’ future by enabling the development of groundbreaking technologies and processes. Kocis describes the approach as “bold, yet pragmatic” and that it ensures that the world meets its current energy demands while significantly mitigating environmental impacts.
Source: GA Drilling via GlobeNewsWire
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