The primary focus of the IADC Geothermal Committee for the 2024–2026 period is the development of a comprehensive Geothermal Well Drilling Guideline – a resource long requested by the industry. Although geothermal well design, drilling, and completion probably share 80% of their practices with oil and gas operations, the remaining differences are significant. These gaps are particularly evident in terminology, which varies widely across regions and between sectors of the drilling industry. Establishing a “common language” therefore became one of the central objectives of the guideline. Another key ambition was to structure the document so that it could serve as a practical addendum to the IADC Drilling Manual.
To meet this challenge, the IADC Geothermal Committee assembled a broad group of more than 20 experts representing over 10 companies. Five dedicated work groups were formed among this group of experts, two of which have now completed their deliverables: the Well Classification work group and the Well Control work group. The IADC Geothermal Well Classification was published in March 2025, and the Well Control section of the Guideline was finalized recently. Both documents can be accessed here.
The remaining three sections of the Geothermal Well Drilling Guideline are expected to be completed in the coming months.
The recent publication of the Geothermal Well Control Guidelines section marks a significant milestone. It showcases the depth of technical expertise contributed from across the sector and highlights the value of genuine collaboration between individuals and companies. As Toney Deer, leader of the Well Control work group, observed, “It has been an absolute pleasure working with such a dedicated group of highly insightful people.”
Developing guidance of this scope is never simple. The Chair of the Geothermal Committee, Scott Farmer, noted, “The group’s ability to translate complex operational realities into clear, practical recommendations deserves real recognition.”
