In 2015 the Dutch Geothermal operators, Agriport Warmte BV, Aardwarmtecluster1 KKP, Duijvestijn Energie BV, Kwekerij Voorhof BV, Californië Wijnen Geothermie BV funded a TNO research project. In this project the theoretical benefits of radial drilling were simulated. The potential improvement varies with the actual reservoir conditions. For an average site the performance measured could be doubled means the required electricity consumption is reduced with 50 %.
The actual expected performance improvement is highly influenced by the reservoir conditions and the number and length of the laterals. In this example 8 laterals of 100 meter create a production increase of 230 %.
See for details https://www.nlog.nl/sites/default/files/tno2015%20r10799%20radial%20drilling_final_public.pdf
Project sponsor by Ministery of Economic Affairs and Climate and LTO glaskracht
