Geothermal plant at The Geysers, California
The Geysers is a vast geothermal field that has provided the surrounding region with renewable energy for nearly 65 years. But due to over development, the steam pressure from those reservoirs began to decline in the 1980s. The future of the power generation was threatened, so an innovative solution was needed.
Wastewater from Lake County was identified as a solution and construction of the Southeast Geysers Effluent Pipeline began in 1995, with delivery of recycled water to The Geysers commencing in 1997. The 40-mile pipeline delivers approximately 8 million gallons of recycled water daily to The Geysers for reinjection into the reservoir, helping maintain steam pressure. Partnership on the Santa Rosa Geysers Recharge Project followed and today, these two projects provide up to 20 million gallons of reclaimed water daily, replenishing the reservoir.
Modeling decades’ worth of subsurface data
Seequent’s software allows Calpine to consolidate all aboveground and subsurface data collected through the decades into a model that informs reservoir management and the planning of future wells. “We have hundreds of active geothermal wells and dozens of active water reinjection wells. It allows us to render the surface data, the subsurface data, and the position of all the different geothermal wells,” said Steve DeOreo, Senior Geologist at Calpine.
“When we’re planning new water injection wells, we really have to understand where that water is going to go in the subsurface, and the software really allows us to visualize in great detail and at high accuracy.”
Meanwhile, the software tools of Bentley, Seequent’s parent company, allows for modeling of the above-ground component of pumping recycled water for reinjection into the Geysers field.
Engineering solutions for sustainability goals
Seequent has been selected as an official partner of the UNESCO World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development (WED) 2025, which celebrates the contributions of the engineering profession in pursuit of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals. The video on the Geysers geothermal field is part of a year-long campaign of events, films, and related articles highlighting engineering achievements in the field of sustainable development.
The campaign aims to act as a springboard for governments, UN-associated organisations, policymakers, educators and leaders in the public and private sectors to raise awareness of the importance of engineering.
“Seequent is honoured to be a partner for World Engineering Day 2025. Engineers play a crucial role in enhancing our lives and our interaction with the planet. Seequent’s cutting-edge subsurface technology is revolutionising the way organisations, geoscientists, and engineers understand and work with the underground,” said Graham Grant, CEO of Seequent.
“A comprehensive understanding of the ground beneath us is essential for achieving the world’s sustainable development goals. From managing ground risk and reducing emissions on infrastructure projects to sourcing critical minerals more sustainably, increasing our use of renewable energy, and managing groundwater and environmental risk – our technology is at the forefront of supporting these efforts. As the Bentley Subsurface Company, we bridge the built and natural environment, enabling organisations to better understand ground conditions and their impact on the design, build and operation of infrastructure.”
Addressing the significance of WED, Jacques de Mereuil, Executive Director of the WFEO, says: “World Engineering Day 2025 is all about putting engineering in the global spotlight, showing how engineers are leading the way in the effort to meet the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal targets, and inspiring the next generation to find out more about what a career in engineering has to offer.”
Use of Seequent’s software by Calpine is a great example of SDG 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. Geothermal energy is part of this carbon-neutral future and a precious resource that Seequent is helping the communities of Northern California to use wisely.
“It’s what sustainable engineering is all about – harnessing reliable, clean energy for generations to come,” concluded Kathleen Gould, Account Executive at Seequent.
