Geothermal energy is becoming an increasingly favored method to reducing carbon emissions and shifting to cleaner energy alternatives. It can be used for heating and cooling applications as well as drive turbines to produce electricity.

Geothermal drilling refers to the process of boring deep into the Earth’s crust to reach into the heat stored within. This energy can then be harnessed for electricity generation or for heating and cooling needs. The process involves using a drill rig to create a borehole into the Earth’s crust, followed by the installation of a casing to prevent the well from collapsing. After the casing is set, a geothermal heat exchanger is inserted into the well. This system typically consists of pipes through which a fluid (usually water) is circulated, transferring heat from the well to the surface. The fluid is pumped down into the well, where it absorbs heat from the hot rocks and fluids deep inside the Earth. It then rises back to the surface, where its heat is extracted and utilized for various purposes.

The majority of the factors for choosing a drill rig are based on well parameters, including diameter, depth, and casing design. During the well planning and design phase, the diameter is determined, which serves as the main factor in classifying the well as either a shallow hole or a conventional well. This classification, in turn, dictates the type of rig to be used.