Walid Hussein
Geologist
Saudi Aramco
Walid Hussein is a Geological Specialist at Saudi Aramco with 20+ years in petroleum systems, basin analysis, and geothermal exploration. He applies AI-driven and physics-based models for geothermal assessments and heat flow mapping. Formerly with BP, he specialized in prospecting and drilling risk management. Holding dual MSc degrees and multiple patents, he bridges petroleum and renewable energy to advance sustainable subsurface exploration.
Participates in
TECHNICAL PROGRAMME | Primary Energy Supply
New Exploration & Production Technologies to Extend Supply
Forum 03 | Technical Programme Hall 1
28
April
14:30
16:00
UTC+3
As global efforts intensify to decarbonize energy systems, the energy transition offers an intelligent pathway to repurpose existing oil and gas infrastructure for sustainable applications. Among renewable options, geothermal energy stands out as a reliable resource with strong technical synergies to hydrocarbon exploration and development. This study examines how legacy hydrocarbon assets—such as wells, datasets, and subsurface models—can be strategically utilized to reduce risk and expedite geothermal exploration, particularly in frontier basins where renewable-specific data is scarce.
Unlike traditional geothermal approaches that often depend on limited surface mapping and sparse subsurface data, hydrocarbon provinces offer a wealth of underutilized data and infrastructure, which needs to be employed for geothermal exploration. This study demonstrates how legacy datasets, including well logs, bottom-hole temperature (BHT) readings, seismic interpretations, and lithological information, can be harnessed to improve geothermal resource assessment. By applying corrections to BHT data and integrating them with heat flow models, core sample analyses, and potential field data, it becomes possible to construct more reliable geothermal gradient maps. Furthermore, existing oil and gas wells can serve as cost-effective test sites or even production wells, significantly lowering exploration costs and timelines.
Repurposing oil and gas tools and workflows—such as seismic interpretation, facies modeling, and petrophysical analysis—enhances geothermal prospectivity and reduces exploration risk. Reprocessing seismic data to map deep basin structures and fault zones enables better target identification for geothermal drilling. Furthermore, historical production data, pressure tests, and water chemistry records from hydrocarbon operations provide insights into fluid pathways and system sustainability. Co-locating geothermal initiatives with existing infrastructure also opens the door to integrated applications like direct-use heating, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and critical mineral extraction (e.g., lithium from geothermal brines), adding economic and strategic value.
This research highlights a practical, cost-effective pathway for accelerating energy transition by capitalizing on decades of investment in hydrocarbon infrastructure. It presents a framework for cross-sector integration, where legacy oil and gas assets not only support renewable energy development but also extend their utility in a low-carbon future. The approach fosters collaboration between geothermal and petroleum disciplines, unlocking new opportunities in sedimentary basins and beyond.
Unlike traditional geothermal approaches that often depend on limited surface mapping and sparse subsurface data, hydrocarbon provinces offer a wealth of underutilized data and infrastructure, which needs to be employed for geothermal exploration. This study demonstrates how legacy datasets, including well logs, bottom-hole temperature (BHT) readings, seismic interpretations, and lithological information, can be harnessed to improve geothermal resource assessment. By applying corrections to BHT data and integrating them with heat flow models, core sample analyses, and potential field data, it becomes possible to construct more reliable geothermal gradient maps. Furthermore, existing oil and gas wells can serve as cost-effective test sites or even production wells, significantly lowering exploration costs and timelines.
Repurposing oil and gas tools and workflows—such as seismic interpretation, facies modeling, and petrophysical analysis—enhances geothermal prospectivity and reduces exploration risk. Reprocessing seismic data to map deep basin structures and fault zones enables better target identification for geothermal drilling. Furthermore, historical production data, pressure tests, and water chemistry records from hydrocarbon operations provide insights into fluid pathways and system sustainability. Co-locating geothermal initiatives with existing infrastructure also opens the door to integrated applications like direct-use heating, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and critical mineral extraction (e.g., lithium from geothermal brines), adding economic and strategic value.
This research highlights a practical, cost-effective pathway for accelerating energy transition by capitalizing on decades of investment in hydrocarbon infrastructure. It presents a framework for cross-sector integration, where legacy oil and gas assets not only support renewable energy development but also extend their utility in a low-carbon future. The approach fosters collaboration between geothermal and petroleum disciplines, unlocking new opportunities in sedimentary basins and beyond.
