The geothermal potential of the global petroleum industry dwarfs the global geothermal power industry by perhaps a factor of ten. Rudimentary calculations based upon the cumulative flow rate and temperature of unwanted co-produced water indicate that the wasted power generation capacity could be as much as 100 GW. However, it is not just the unrealised geothermal potential of petroleum production which could bring these two geoenergy industries together but the opportunities for exchange of technology and best practices. Seismic is a staple technology of both the petroleum and geothermal industries but it is used in different ways. Continuously monitored micro-seismic activity is used to characterise geothermal developments while 3D and time lapse repeat seismic surveys are pre-eminant in the petroleum industry. Drilling and wireline tools developed for high temperature geothermal energy developments  might easily be applied in high temperature, high pressure petroleum exploration and production and technology developed for oil and gas could find a new market in geothermal. And, underlying all of this, the basics of exploration, appraisal, development and production geoscience are common to both geothermal and petroleum industries.

The aim of this meeting is to explore the potential for cross-over technology and cross-over experience between the petroleum and geothermal industries and to examine what opportunities exist for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of both industries, maintaining delivery of energy to society and reducing the impact on the Earth of doing so.

The meeting will take place at the ancient Durham University in historic Durham City in northern England; a seat of learning and scholarship since the 7th century AD. Keynote speakers will be drawn from the two industries and from academia, This is a call for speakers …