Disclosed are various approaches for using controlled fractures in geothermal systems. In some examples, a method includes drilling at least one injection well bore. The method can also include cutting at least a first slot at an angle to the injection well bore, where the first slot has a first end connected to the injection well bore and a distal end. The method can include cutting at least a second slot at an angle to the injection well bore, where the second slot has a first end connected to the distal end of the first slot and a distal end. The method can also include drilling at least one production well bore, where the production well bore is connected to the distal end of the second slot.

A method for slot-drill enhanced oil recovery in a formation includes providing a wellbore in a reservoir of the formation, the reservoir having a top and a bottom, cutting a first horizontal slot-drill fracture at the top of the reservoir, cutting a second horizontal slot-drill fracture at the bottom of the reservoir, injecting a fluid into the reservoir via the first horizontal slot-drill fracture at the top of the reservoir, and producing oil from the second horizontal slot-drill fracture at the bottom of the reservoir. The first horizontal slot-drill fracture is parallel to the second horizontal slot-drill fracture.