Published 09.08.2022

Norway, a global leader in oil and gas production, has accumulated extensive expertise and infrastructure in the North Sea. This experience positions the country uniquely to transition to a stable, eco-friendly energy source: geothermal energy. By harnessing geothermal heat from existing oil and gas wells to generate electricity offshore, Norway could repurpose these resources instead of letting them go to waste. Geothermal energy holds immense potential to address current challenges while leveraging Norway's established technological advantages.

For over 70 years, Norway has drilled in the North Sea to extract oil and gas. This extensive drilling has created reservoirs containing billions of liters of boiling water in deep oil wells. This thermal energy can be harnessed for electricity production using geothermal systems. Technologies to extract heat from the Earth's interior are well-established, and there are multiple methods to convert this energy into electricity.

One proposed solution involves replacing the gas turbines currently used on oil platforms with steam turbines. This would enable electricity production from the boiling water in oil wells, significantly reducing the platforms' carbon footprint. SINTEF researched this concept in the mid-1990s, but it has gained renewed interest due to the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions.

In addition to directly generating electricity from deep oil wells, binary geothermal systems can be employed to harness energy from lower-temperature reservoirs, further expanding the potential for geothermal energy production on the Norwegian continental shelf.

Geothermal energy holds vast potential both offshore and onshore. In the North Sea, where Norway excels in drilling and offshore technology, boiling water can be effectively and reliably converted into electricity. This energy could be used directly on platforms or transmitted to land to meet national energy demands.

The potential for geothermal energy on land in Norway is significant. By drilling into the bedrock, temperatures ranging from 150 to 190 °C can be accessed, ideal for electricity generation. Advanced technology, such as utilizing supercritical CO₂ as a heat transfer medium, can make these systems even more efficient. This approach allows stable electricity production even at lower temperatures and capitalizes on industrial waste heat, offering a sustainable and innovative solution to enhance energy security and efficiency.

With this approach, Norway can establish a stable energy supply based on domestic resources while leveraging its offshore expertise to develop geothermal energy as a new, green industry. This represents a unique opportunity to repurpose knowledge and technology from the oil industry in a way that is both economically viable and environmentally friendly.

Norway possesses the technological expertise to transition towards geothermal energy. The vast reserves of boiling water in the North Sea offer an untapped potential for a stable and sustainable energy supply. By utilizing the infrastructure and knowledge of the oil industry, Norway has the opportunity to establish a geothermal energy sector that not only meets national demands but also creates a new exportable industry.

With the right political will and investment, geothermal energy could become a central part of Norway's energy portfolio, providing stable jobs and reducing the country's carbon footprint. Instead of focusing more on wind energy, Norway could leverage its existing expertise to make geothermal energy a reliable, green, and sustainable solution for the future.

Geothermal energy offers significant potential for Norway, both offshore in the North Sea and on land. By utilizing existing oil infrastructure, Norway can quickly establish a sustainable, stable, and clean energy source. Given the challenges with wind power, geothermal energy should be considered a serious solution for Norway's future energy needs, providing a reliable and environmentally-friendly alternative.

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