The Otaniemi geothermal pilot project is preparing to carry out water flow tests between completed, deepest heat wells in the world. Sufficient time was reserved for careful preparation of the various stages of the test. Thus, the new and innovative testing methods used can be implemented and verified within the test values.
The flow test simulates the water conductivity of the rock at several different stages with slow flow test runs at different levels. In addition, it is investigated what kind of thermal powers can be achieved in the plant's production. The test is scheduled to begin in August and is expected to last between 4 and 6 months.
The construction and installation of the above-ground thermal power plant has been completed by about 75%. The final work is carried out after the results of the flow test have been obtained and analysed. The commissioning of the Otaniemi pilot heating plant will be postponed to 2022 due to the implementation and analysis of the flow study.
The pilot project of St1's Otaniemi geothermal heating plant will in many parts build the world's first deep EGS (Engineered Geothermal System) plant of this type. The main goal of the pilot project is to develop and test technically and economically viable solutions for all work phases of a geothermal business concept so that the concept can be commercialized after the pilot. EGS plants will play an important role in the transition to zero-emission heat production.
During the spring, St1 has documented a concept description for St1 EGS plants based on the learnings of Otaniemi. This enables the planned and technically as well as economically controlled implementation of the following projects. The developed St1 EGS concept will be tested in the following pilot projects, about which we will provide more information as the projects progress to implementation.
Further information:
St1 Oy, Matti Pentti, Director, Heat from the Ground, tel. +358 10 557 4119, matti.pentti@st1.com
https://www.st1.com/geothermal-heat
St1 Nordic Oy is a Nordic energy Group whose vision is to be the leading producer and seller of CO2-aware energy. The Group researches and develops economically viable, environmentally sustainable energy solutions. St1 focuses on fuels marketing activities, oil refining and renewable energy solutions such as waste-based advanced ethanol fuels and industrial wind power. The Group has 1.250 St1 and Shell branded retail stations in Finland, Sweden and Norway. Headquartered in Helsinki, St1 employs currently 980 people. www.st1.com