Gradient Geothermal, a Colorado-based geothermal energy pioneer, has taken a significant step in bridging the gap between traditional energy production and sustainable practices.
The company recently announced its collaboration with Chord Energy, an independent North American oil and gas exploration and production entity, to provide geothermal power generation and fluid cooling services. This groundbreaking initiative represents the first deployment of Gradient’s proprietary technology, which transforms the heat from oil and gas production fluids into electricity.
Harnessing wasted energy for sustainability
Chord Energy’s project in North Dakota is partially funded by the Clean Sustainable Energy Authority (CSEA), a program under the North Dakota Industrial Commission. The CSEA’s support underscores the importance of integrating geothermal energy into existing oil and gas operations. By capturing thermal energy already present at production sites, Gradient’s technology not only reduces energy waste but also improves efficiency by converting unused heat into a valuable asset.
“For too long, key public and private sector stakeholders have not had access to the technology and expertise needed to harness the vast, untapped energy resources beneath our feet,” said Dr Benjamin Burke, CEO of Gradient Geothermal. “Properly capturing highly sustainable geothermal energy already present at active energy production projects presents a new avenue of opportunity for government agencies and leading commercial entities alike, and we could not be more excited to work with Chord to help deploy Gradient’s innovative technology within this expansive, forward-thinking initiative.”
Revolutionising the oil and gas sector
Gradient Geothermal’s operational model capitalizes on existing oil and gas infrastructure, transforming these facilities into scalable sources of renewable energy. This approach not only helps mitigate the environmental impact of traditional energy production but also supports the global transition to sustainable energy systems.
As the only scalable commercial operation specializing in this innovative form of geothermal energy production, Gradient is uniquely positioned to lead the sector. The company’s efforts align with a broader vision of repurposing legacy energy assets to create long-term, sustainable solutions.
By leveraging geothermal technology, Gradient exemplifies how traditional energy sectors can play a crucial role in the energy transition. Collaborations like the one with Chord Energy highlight the growing recognition of geothermal as a critical component in reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy efficiency.