Downhole wireless communication system through adjacent wells

A wellbore system, comprising:

• a first well extending through a plurality of formations, the first well having a first work string disposed therein, the plurality of formations including a conductive formation layer,
• a second well extending through the conductive formation layer, the second well having a second work string disposed therein, the second well located at a distance from the first well, the distance selected to allow communication of an electrical signal between the first well and the second well through the electrically conductive formation layer based on a resistivity of the electrically conductive formation layer;
• a downhole device on the first work string operable using the current conducted from the second well to the first well;
• and
• an electrical signal generator for injecting the current into the second work string, wherein the electrical signal passes from the second work string to the first work string via the electrically conductive formation layer to operate the device.