Strataphy, a geothermal cooling startup, has made strides in Saudi Arabia by completing several drilling and testing campaigns. The company plans to introduce its first geothermal cooling system in the country this year. These efforts, conducted in the west and northwest regions, are crucial for promoting geothermal cooling and heating as sustainable and efficient energy solutions.
The campaigns involved drilling over 25 wellbores, some reaching depths of 250 meters, and conducting numerous Thermal Response Tests and other geothermal assessments. These tests revealed that shallow geothermal reservoirs have a high potential for efficient open-loop systems, achieving a Coefficient of Performance over 5.5. This efficiency surpasses traditional cooling methods. Additionally, favorable thermal properties were confirmed, supporting both cooling and seasonal energy storage. The results indicate an 80/20 split between cooling and heating, ideal for Saudi Arabia’s climate. The local supply chain, bolstered by oil and gas expertise, is ready to support geothermal expansion, which promises significant cost savings over conventional systems.
Ahmed Alhani, COO at Strataphy, expressed enthusiasm for the growing momentum of geothermal energy in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the integration of advanced technology and industry expertise to accelerate sustainable system deployment.
Saudi Arabia faces high cooling demands due to rapid urbanization and large construction projects, with 50-70% of electricity used for cooling. Geothermal cooling offers a more energy-efficient alternative that aligns with the country’s sustainability goals. By adopting geothermal systems, the country could cut electricity use for cooling by up to 50%, reduce grid expansion costs, enhance grid stability, lower CO2 emissions, and improve energy security.
Ammar Alali, CEO at Strataphy, highlighted the transformative potential of geothermal energy for sustainable cooling and heating, emphasizing the company’s role in developing scalable projects that improve efficiency and reduce emissions.
Strataphy plans to install its first operational geothermal cooling system in Saudi Arabia by the end of the year, marking a significant milestone. Two more projects are set to begin in 2025, with a goal of achieving over 15 MW-th of geothermal cooling capacity in three years and 50 MW-th in five years.
Strataphy is pioneering geothermal cooling with proprietary technologies that enhance heat exchange and adaptability. Their Cooling as a Service model offers sustainable solutions without upfront costs, covering design, installation, and maintenance. By advancing wellbore completion methods, Strataphy is making geothermal cooling more viable and cost-effective, supporting Saudi Arabia’s energy transition.
