A Comprehensive Review of Fishbone Well Applications in Conventional and Renewable Energy Systems in the Path towards Net Zero

• Published in: Fuels 2023-12, Vol.4 (4), p.376-396
• Main Authors: Ndulue, Uchenna Frank, Tomomewo, Olusegun Stanley, Khalifa, Houdaifa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: carbon footprint; Design optimization; Drilling; fishbone drilling; geothermal; Hydrocarbons; oil and gas; Oil fields; Petroleum production; Productivity; Simulation; underground storage
• ISSN: 2673-3994; 2673-3994
• DOI: 10.3390/fuels4040024

Fishbone drilling (FbD) involves drilling multiple micro-holes branching out in various directions from the primary vertical or deviated wellbore. FbD is similar to multilateral micro-hole drilling and can be employed to boost hydrocarbon production in naturally fractured formations or during refracturing operations by connecting existing natural fractures. Key design elements in fishbones include determining the number, length, and spacing between the branches, and the angle at which the branches deviate from the main borehole. Fishbone wells have emerged as a promising technology for improving well performance and reducing environmental impact. In this paper, we present a comprehensive review of the different applications of fishbone wells in conventional and renewable energy systems. We discuss the potential of fishbone wells for enhanced oil and gas recovery, as well as their application in unconventional resources such as coal bed methane. Moreover, we examine the feasibility of fishbone wells in renewable energy systems, such as geothermal energy and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). We highlight the various benefits of fishbone wells, including reduced carbon footprint, enhanced efficiency, and increased sustainability. Finally, we discuss the challenges and limitations associated with fishbone wells in different energy systems. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the potential and challenges of fishbone wells in reducing carbon footprint and improving well performance in a wide range of energy systems.