Gradient Geothermal Partners with Chord to Generate Clean Energy

Dr. Sakharov: Integrating geothermal energy into existing oil and gas operations is a practical step toward improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprints without major capital investments in drilling new wells. The potential for converting waste heat from produced fluids into clean electricity remains underexplored, despite its technical and economic advantages.

However, it’s important to note that lower fluid temperatures could negatively impact the separation process of oil and salt water. This is precisely why SWDs (salt water disposals) and iodine extraction plants prefer pipelines over trucking, pipelines minimize heat loss and ensure more efficient processing of produced fluids.

Gradient Geothermal Partners with Chord

Denver-based Gradient Geothermal is advancing its innovative approach to geothermal energy integration by partnering with North American oil and gas operator Chord Energy. The collaboration focuses on utilizing existing oil and gas production processes to generate clean, emissions-free electricity offering an efficient and scalable solution to boost energy efficiency in traditional production operations.

How It Works:

Fluids produced during oil and gas operations contain significant thermal energy.

Gradient Geothermal’s HXC System (fit-for-purpose ORC equipment) extracts this heat and converts it into electricity.

The system simultaneously cools the produced fluids to meet pipeline specifications, enabling operators to optimize their production processes.

The generated electricity can be used onsite or fed into the grid via net-metering, reducing reliance on external power sources.

Key Developments:

A successful 2022 pilot project in Nevada, in collaboration with ElectraTherm and Grant Canyon Oil and Gas, proved the viability of this technology.

Gradient Geothermal and Chord Energy are now scaling this solution at Chord’s facilities in North Dakota, supported in part by funding from the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority.

Why It Matters:

By harnessing thermal energy already present in production fluids, Gradient Geothermal not only improves project efficiency but also reduces emissions. As companies strive to decarbonize operations, integrating low-cost, sustainable energy solutions becomes a critical step.