Drilling is the most expensive part of geothermal energy. An old oil or gas well is already a deep hole in the ground, so reusing one could save a large part of that cost.
A new deep geothermal well can cost millions of dollars. Using an existing hole may remove much of that expense, and may cut the time to get started.
Water or another fluid can be sent down a well, heated by the hot rock, and brought back up. That heat can warm buildings, greenhouses or industry. Where the rock is hot enough, it can also make electricity. Some wells already bring up hot water along with oil and gas.
Many wells are not deep enough to be hot. Old casing and cement may be damaged. Some leak methane. Someone has to own the well, own the land and take on the responsibility. Each well needs an engineer to check it.
It shows where documented orphaned wells are. It does not show depth, temperature or condition, so it is a place to start looking, not proof that a well can be used.