September special edition: scaling up innovation in well construction

Well construction is the critical bridge between an energy projects’ potential and its reality.

The energy trilemma highlights the need to balance energy security, affordability, and sustainability. Scaling up oil or gas well construction can contribute to energy security and affordability. However, it is crucial to manage the environmental and social implications responsibly to achieve a sustainable energy future. This requires careful planning, investment in clean energy technologies, and a commitment to environmental protection and social equity. The Baker Hughes team has been hard at work to deliver such balance.

In order to minimize environmental impact during resource extraction and prevent future issues like well leakage or groundwater contamination, flawless well design and well engineering are essential. For renewable energy wells, such as geothermal, expert well construction and well completion are required for efficient and sustainable energy production.

Getting it right from the outset sets the stage for long-term success of the development. And part of getting it right is figuring out how to use data to improve predictability.

All wells are different, but applying the right processes and employing the right technology can deliver a safe and consistent drilling program every time. Let’s look at the latest technologies available today to support this effort.

More reliable and predictable well delivery for energy security

Predictable and reliable well delivery is paramount for any field development. Well construction teams are committed to safe and consistent execution in field. Designed to deliver repeatable outcomes, their approach ensures dependable performance and reduced risk across all well operations. Operators need to be able to predict when their new wells will become productive (i.e., when they can expect ‘first production’). Minimized non-productive time and risk management are essential to giving them confidence in the process, time and time again, in any drilling campaign.

Innovative technology including the use of AI tools, holistic advanced planning and experienced personnel are all enablers to deliver such peace of mind, especially in more extreme applications.

What’s new?

Read here about the deployment in Kuwait of the self-regenerating cement system InvictaSet™, designed to maintain long-term zonal isolation.

Learn how i-Trak™ can help mitigate operational risks such as stuck pipe and hole collapse. And check out this customer case study. A view of the full digital solutions landscape is here.

Better predictability on monitoring subsea assets is also possible. Read about it here. And discover the latest innovation in drilling fluids to help minimize mixing errors – click here.

Why it matters for energy security

When you think of wells and drilling, you might instinctively think of oil and gas. However, scaling up well construction can allow for a more diversified energy mix, reducing reliance on a single source and enhancing overall energy security. That is because well construction is integral to developing infrastructure for geothermal power plants and other renewable energy sources, ensuring reliable and secure energy supply for the future.

More efficient well construction for energy affordability

Accelerated well delivery minimizes time and resources while increasing recovery. Precise well placement means accurately positioning wells to maximize resource extraction for operators. Technology can help enhance reservoir contact by placing the well in the most productive part of the reservoir. Productive and efficient well construction will show increased rate of penetration (ROP), with longer runs and therefore fewer trips to field. Invisible lost time (ILT) can also be minimized.

Efficient well designs and planning, with integrated workflows and processes will mean fewer resource requirements. The deployment of fit-for-purpose technology enables greater recovery, with detailed reservoir data to help pinpoint well placement and deliver quality wellbore.

What’s new?

Find out more how GuardVibe™ helps mitigate torsional vibrations for efficient well delivery. Click to download and learn how advanced modelling, simulation and data-driven engineering are paving a path for revolution in drill bit designs.

And read here about the success with TRU™-ARMS and how the Baker Hughes team is transforming the way to understand and develop reservoirs.

Why it matters for energy affordability

Efficient operations can lead to increased domestic production, which in turn can lead to lower energy prices due to reduced reliance on imported energy sources. This may also enable economies of scale in production.

A more secure and diversified energy supply can contribute to greater price stability, protecting consumers and businesses from volatile energy markets around the world.

Well construction for energy sustainability

The energy industry is keen to continue to deliver profitable and sustainable wells. The industry is keen to maximize return on investment for operators, while fully aligning with ESG commitments. This approach balances performance and responsibility—delivering long-term value through efficient, compliant, and environmentally conscious well construction.

Latest technology in well design and well engineering overall can help lower ‘barrel of oil equivalent’ (BOE) costs and Capex, while reducing risk. Thanks to streamlined and digitized supply chains, the industry can achieve reduced emissions with fewer personnel on board (POB), enabled by remote operations. In the context of the energy transition and expansion, technical advances for a more efficient oilfield have helped develop opportunities for CCUS and geothermal well drilling applications.

What’s new?

Read here about the new Hummingbird all-electric land cementing unit. It stands to improve sustainability, reliability, efficiencies and safety of cementing operations. 

The DemoCELL project has reached a major milestone with the successful delivery of the first productive geothermal exploration well in northwest Germany—advancing the path towards sustainable, locally sourced heating for communities.

Why it matters for sustainable energy development

Responsible well construction practices are critical for minimizing the environmental impact of both hydrocarbons and renewable energy extraction. Well construction for hydrocarbons can involve significant water use and potential water contamination. Sustainable practices focus on minimizing water usage and preventing pollution from wastewater. Well construction can be part of a circular economy approach, where materials and resources are reused and recycled, reducing waste and environmental impact. Sustainable well construction for traditional oil and gas involves using environmentally friendly materials, minimizing leaks, and properly plugging and abandoning wells.

Scaling up well construction, particularly for oil and gas, can contribute to energy security, affordability, and potentially sustainability. However, it is crucial to address the associated environmental impacts and ensure a balanced approach. Find out how here.

This month's ICYMI

• Catch up on our Emerging Talent stories, and meet our GenZ employees
• Revisit last month's edition on 'Why sustainability still matters' here

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