Interview – Expro’s expansion from oil and gas services to geothermal

The transfer of Oil & Gas (O&G) technology and expertise to geothermal is considered one of the key enablers to accelerate the deployment of geothermal globally. The significant overlap between these two sectors presents multiple energies for synergy, allowing traditionally O&G-oriented companies to contribute to the energy transition.

Expro has been one of the companies that have successfully leveraged their O&G experience and provided services to many geothermal projects all over the world. We spoke with Patrick Hanson, Senior Geothermal Development Manager at Expro, about the company’s initiatives for geothermal and how it reflects their overall commitment to long-term sustainability.

Can you share some insights into the latest innovations or technological trends that your company is embracing to enhance geothermal exploration, drilling, or plant operations?

Expro has a long-standing reputation in the O&G and Geothermal industry for being on the cutting edge of innovation.  Whether it’s fluids analysis, cementing technologies, drilling performance, non-marking tongs for Casing Running, cased hole or complex well test services, Expro consistently leads the way.

In my role as Senior Geothermal Development Manager and part of the Sustainable Energy Solutions team, what excites me is our influence on Expro’s Technology Roadmap for non-O&G initiatives.  These initiatives are continually evolving. Our focus right now is on developing high temperature sensors to enhance our downhole technologies across our product lines. The incorporation of higher rated sensors and electronics will elevate our surface readout and data collection offerings, benefiting Well Intervention perspectives, as well as our downhole and surface fluid sampling and meter services.

Beyond the advancements in higher temperature rated technologies, Expro has prioritized data – from collection to analysis. This emphasizes our ability to provide Knowledge as a Service. Expect enhancements to our existing state-of-the-art Data Acquisition and software solutions, empowering operators with real-time data access across their entire project lifecycle.

How is Expro positioning itself to capitalize on the growing demand for geothermal solutions, both in established and emerging regions? Are there any noteworthy projects or partnerships that highlight your global expansion efforts?

This is a great observation and question.  Geothermal has indeed gained momentum globally, more so than at any other time in my career or recent history. Climate Change is a significant factor driving this.  With this growth, we’re witnessing increased opportunities for Expro’s transferable technologies across our core product lines to be applied to geothermal projects worldwide.

From the rising demand for heat in Europe to power generation ventures in Indonesia, East Africa, or Central America, we feel well positioned to offer support with our diverse portfolio and global footprint.  Some noteworthy projects include:

• Providing tubing conveyed perforation for a major drilling campaign of a greenhouse operation in The Netherlands.
• Delivering complex well intervention solutions to restore a scaled-up, production well, increasing productivity from 3 tons of steam per hour back to 9 tons of steam per hour in Indonesia.
• Customizing a small-footprint Tubular Running System for a high-profile AGS test well in Oklahoma as part of a well-documented Consortium.
• Partnering with DiDrill to supply our Kinley Calipers and Downhole Cameras for a multi-well campaign in The Geysers.

We have identified Europe and Indonesia as our two core regions for focusing on strategic geothermal growth. We are also supporting emerging opportunities in Central and South America and East Africa.  Operating across 60 countries, our established footprint, which has long supported O&G in these regions, has played a pivotal role in fast tracking and supporting our aligned growth in the geothermal sector.

The low environmental impact of geothermal is often one of its celebrated benefits. Could you elaborate on your company’s commitment to sustainability in geothermal projects? Are there specific initiatives or practices your company is implementing to minimize the environmental footprint and promote long-term sustainability?

Once perceived solely as an oilfield services business, we are now an energy services business. This is reflected not only in our actions, but also in our delivery. Our geothermal portfolio serves as a prime example of this evolving identity.  Our focus extends beyond reducing our carbon footprint: we are committed to optimizing our services for maximum environmental friendliness and aligning with our client’s clean energy goals.

The emergence of energy markets such as Geothermal, CCUS, Hydrogen and Emissions Management, offers us numerous opportunities to leverage our transferable skills and technologies. This allows us to support the transition to cleaner energy sources and diversify our business.

Furthermore, effective communication plays a critical role in educating and engaging our workforce in the company’s ambitions. To make tangible progress in our Environmental workstream, it is imperative to disseminate our environmental objectives for each year throughout the organization.

Focus Areas Included:

• Renewable energy procurement in our workshops and office areas;
• Opportunities to install solar energy;
• Identifying improvement areas for fuel consumption in our global fleet and utilizing cleaner fuel where possible;
• Energy conservation programs.

Additional measures were put in place to help make progress toward our Environmental targets this year, such as:

• Improving our waste recycling rates;
• Reducing environmental spills events;
• Avoiding any significant fines and sanctions across our global operations.

What are some of the key challenges your company has encountered, and how have you successfully addressed or mitigated them? Are there any specific examples that highlight your problem-solving approach in the geothermal service industry?

Oil & Gas and Geothermal both require similar drilling extraction methods. Both sectors utilize the same transferrable products and services for production and development. For energy services companies like Expro (as well as other major players), managing the capacity and availability of these transferrable assets involves a delicate balancing act.

Consider, for instance, a skid-mounted slickline unit that can be dispatched to an offshore rig at one rate, or a US Land geothermal project at another. While the unit is capable of performing tasks on both projects, the profit margins are significantly higher in the O&G industry, especially in offshore operations. Consequently, the decision-making process becomes economically straightforward. However, this poses a challenge when aiming to expand a geothermal portfolio using the same assets.

Expro’s Sustainable Energy Solutions team is actively engaging with our regional operations teams to optimize the capacity of under-utilized assets. This strategic approach helps to effectively manage the demand for call-out work, as mentioned in the previous example.

Can you share instances where Expro has collaborated with other stakeholders to overcome industry challenges or drive innovation in the geothermal sector? How do you see collaboration shaping the future of geothermal energy?

As we expand our geothermal portfolio of solutions, our aim is to enhance our capability to serve across a broader spectrum of the geothermal project lifecycle.  This objective has led Expro to establish alliances and strategic partnerships, supporting sustainable growth.

Expro takes pride in working closely with companies worldwide, including DiDrill Survey Services, Getech and JRG Energy, as well as establishing partnerships with key universities and national labs. Each of these collaborations enhances Expro’s ability to serve the geothermal market. These partnerships enhance our geographic proximity, technologies, services, consulting, research and development, and other creative initiatives.

We anticipate the continuation and initiation of these partnerships in 2024 and beyond, contributing to the growth and success of Expro in the geothermal sector.