Research on Common Technical Risks and Prevention Strategies in Geothermal Well Drilling Engineering

Ji-Ping Wang （ Henan Fifth Geological Exploration Institute Co., Ltd., Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, China ）

Abstract

As a clean, renewable, and stable baseload energy source, geothermal energy has become increasingly prominent in the context of global energy structure transformation and the “dual carbon” (carbon peak and carbon neutrality) goals. As the core conduit connecting underground geothermal reservoirs with surface utilization systems, the quality and safety of geothermal well drilling engineering directly determine the success or failure of the entire geothermal project. However, geothermal well drilling is characterized by complex geological conditions, great drilling depths, and high-temperature and high-pressure environments, which expose it to a variety of unique technical risks. This paper aims to systematically identify common technical risks throughout the full life cycle of geothermal well drilling engineering—including preliminary investigation, drilling operations, completion and cementing, and post-drilling testing—analyze their underlying causes in depth, and propose targeted, scientific, and effective prevention and control strategies. It is expected that this study will provide theoretical reference and practical guidance for improving the safety, economic efficiency, and success rate of geothermal well engineering in China.

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