AWARDS FINALIST: Contact Energy – Game-changing geothermal well cleaning
Contact says its enhanced regime for cleaning geothermal wells is reducing costs and lifting production.
Geothermal wells are prone to formation scaling, where mineral deposits build up in the rock surrounding wells, restricting fluid flow and reducing power output.
Traditional cleaning methods often relied on generic chemical treatments with inconsistent results.
To deal with this, Contact and subsidiary Western Energy have developed a fully integrated, data-driven approach which matches chemical treatments to the unique conditions of each well.
It begins with rigorous laboratory testing using core and mineral samples, feeding into a comprehensive database that informs the optimal chemical mix and dosage. A systematic well selection process makes sure that only the right wells are treated - saving time, money and resources.
The results have been impressive. Wells are staying online longer, with improved flow and reduced need for frequent interventions.
Benefits
In one case, the treatment of a reinjection well provided a significantly improved flow and extended the interval between cleanings by more than 3.5 times.
In other cases, chemical use and downtime have been significantly reduced, all while achieving better outcomes.
A key enabler of this success is a custom-built, containerised formation cleaning skid developed by Western Energy.
This mobile unit automates chemical delivery with precision, reducing manual handling and enhancing safety.
Designed to industry best practices, the skid features advanced logic controls, pressure monitoring and multiple safety layers to protect both operators and the environment.
The innovation has also led to new commercial opportunities. By bringing the process in-house, Contact has reduced operational costs and enabled Western to offer the service to other geothermal operators.
Interest is growing within New Zealand and internationally, with operators in Southeast Asia exploring the solution for their own geothermal assets.
The annual Energy Excellence Awards will be held in Wellington on 13 August. The Innovation in Energy Award is sponsored by Ara Ake.