The Future of Geothermal Wellbore Integrity: Geopolymer Cements for Enhanced Stability and Hydrogen Coproduction

The transition to green hydrogen powered by geothermal systems requires robust wellbore materials capable of withstanding extreme conditions including temperatures exceeding 300°C, corrosive fluids, and thermal cycling. This review critically examines geopolymer cement, amorphous aluminosilicate binders, as high‐performance alternatives to Portland cement (PC), which deteriorates at temperatures above 110°C and in saline environments. Geopolymers maintain compressive strengths greater than 50 MPa, exhibit carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) permeability as low as 2 × 10 −21 m 2 , and demonstrate promising thermal stability, chemical resistance, and self‐healing (evidenced by permeability recovery from 9.48 to 2.76 µ D). These properties together suggest strong potential to mitigate fluid migration and thermal losses, which are critical factors for sustaining efficient geothermal hydrogen production. Their production also, emits up to 80% less CO 2 than PC, supporting low carbon infrastructure goals. A full‐scale field trial in the Permian basin, a technically demanding hydrocarbon region, validated the operational feasibility of geopolymer slurry using conventional cementing equipment, achieving effective placement and zonal isolation. Although, conducted outside geothermal settings, this success supports the scalability and resilience of geopolymers under harsh subsurface conditions. This review highlights, geopolymer cement’s potential to ensure long term wellbore integrity, thermal efficiency, and sustainability in geothermal hydrogen production systems.

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Publication Details

Journal
International Journal of Energy Research
Published
2025-01-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1155/er/6641119
Citations
1
Primary Topic
Drilling and Well Engineering
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
1.15

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article

The Future of Geothermal Wellbore Integrity: Geopolymer Cements for Enhanced Stability and Hydrogen Coproduction

Bolanle Deborah Ikotun, Makungu M. Madirisha
1 citations
International Journal of Energy Research
Drilling and Well Engineering
1.15
article

The Future of Geothermal Wellbore Integrity: Geopolymer Cements for Enhanced Stability and Hydrogen Coproduction

Bolanle Deborah Ikotun, Makungu M. Madirisha
article en
1 citations

Abstract

The transition to green hydrogen powered by geothermal systems requires robust wellbore materials capable of withstanding extreme conditions including temperatures exceeding 300°C, corrosive fluids, and thermal cycling. This review critically examines geopolymer cement, amorphous aluminosilicate binders, as high‐performance alternatives to Portland cement (PC), which deteriorates at temperatures above 110°C and in saline environments. Geopolymers maintain compressive strengths greater than 50 MPa, exhibit carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) permeability as low as 2 × 10 −21 m 2 , and demonstrate promising thermal stability, chemical resistance, and self‐healing (evidenced by permeability recovery from 9.48 to 2.76 µ D). These properties together suggest strong potential to mitigate fluid migration and thermal losses, which are critical factors for sustaining efficient geothermal hydrogen production. Their production also, emits up to 80% less CO 2 than PC, supporting low carbon infrastructure goals. A full‐scale field trial in the Permian basin, a technically demanding hydrocarbon region, validated the operational feasibility of geopolymer slurry using conventional cementing equipment, achieving effective placement and zonal isolation. Although, conducted outside geothermal settings, this success supports the scalability and resilience of geopolymers under harsh subsurface conditions. This review highlights, geopolymer cement’s potential to ensure long term wellbore integrity, thermal efficiency, and sustainability in geothermal hydrogen production systems.

International Journal of Energy ResearchVol. 2025(1)
University of South Africa (ZA), University of Dar es Salaam (TZ)
University of South Africa
Openalex Percentile: Top 20%
Drilling and Well Engineering
1.15
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