Repurposing Abandoned Hydrocarbon Wells for Geothermal Power in Northern Bangladesh: A Feasibility Study Toward Affordable and Sustainable Energy

Nowrin Afrin; Afsana Khanom Monika; Tashdeed Rifa Raisa

doi:10.38032/scse.2026.4.90

Authors

Nowrin Afrin Department of Petroleum and Mining Engineering, Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), Bangladesh
Afsana Khanom Monika Department of Petroleum and Mining Engineering, Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), Bangladesh
Tashdeed Rifa Raisa Department of Petroleum and Mining Engineering, Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), Bangladesh

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.38032/scse.2026.4.90

Keywords:

Geothermal, Renewables, Binary cycle, North, Repurposing, Energy

Abstract

Bangladesh currently relies heavily on its domestic natural gas reserves to meet the majority of its energy demand, with most power plants operating on gas-based systems. As the gas reserves continue to deplete, there is an increasing need to diversify the country’s energy portfolio. In recent years, initiatives such as pilot projects in solar and wind energy, along with the development of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, have marked significant steps toward a more sustainable and diversified energy future. Nevertheless, meeting the growing electricity demand of Bangladesh’s large and densely populated society will likely require additional, reliable energy sources. Geothermal energy presents a promising solution in this context, as it can provide continuous, 24/7 baseload power-an advantage over intermittent renewables such as solar and wind. Preliminary geophysical studies conducted in selected regions of Bangladesh have indicated favorable geothermal gradients, suggesting the potential viability of geothermal power development. The geothermal potential varies across the country, depending on local geological and thermal conditions. This study explores the different geothermal resources across the globe and how they are being utilized in different methods and for different purposes. The study aims to evaluate the feasibility of establishing a geothermal power plant in the north of Bangladesh by identifying the most geologically favorable locations and recognizing the resource conditions. Addressing the economic and technical challenges revealed from the previous geothermal assessments in the country, the study proposes the repurposing of abandoned hydrocarbon wells in the north, thereby reducing the high expenditure typically associated with drilling new deep wells. An optimal plant design (binary cycle) employing the Organic-Rankin cycle (ORC) technology is analyzed, and an estimate of potential power generation capacity up to 5.34 MW is shown in this paper. The findings are intended to support long-term energy planning by showcasing geothermal energy’s potential as a reliable supplemental baseload source, offering local energy stability and contributing to the country’s broader sustainable energy goals.

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