Thermal rock demands a mega rig - OIL & GAS SPECIAL REPORT 5 Preprints Edition

Owned by explorer/developer Geodynamics for use in its Cooper Basin hot rocks program that seeks to generate electric power from steam derived from water circulated through granite masses deep in the earth, the rig is also creating interest in conventional petroleum exploration drilling circles. Geo...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inWeekend Australian
Main Author Wilkinson, Rick
Format Newspaper Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Canberra, A.C.T News Limited 14.04.2007
Subjects
Williams, Adrian
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:Owned by explorer/developer Geodynamics for use in its Cooper Basin hot rocks program that seeks to generate electric power from steam derived from water circulated through granite masses deep in the earth, the rig is also creating interest in conventional petroleum exploration drilling circles. Geodynamics has appointed experienced private company Easternwell Drilling Services of Toowoomba to man and operate the rig in Australia. The company already has a fleet of rigs working on oil prospects throughout the Cooper Basin. CEO Troy Campbell points out that a big plus with the Lightning Rig is the fact that the drilling console is airconditioned and there is an "iron roughneck", or automated drilling system. "This means there is less manpower needed and hence a greater safety factor on the drill floor. The trend in rigs on and offshore now is towards this comfort and automation. It is definitely a way to attract people into the industry.