Seismicity research on ultra deep geothermal in the Netherlands receives EUR1.8m grant
Ede, Guelders, Netherlands (source: flickr/ Victor Sassen, creative commons)
Alexander Richter
5 Feb 2018
A geothermal project in Gelderland in the Netherlands has received a grant of EUR1.8 million for a seismic study to explore the potential for geothermal development in the region.
The provincial government in Gelderland, Netherlands has made EUR1.8 million ($2.2 million) available to Tellus Renkum BV for seismic research into the potential and risks of Ultra Deep Geothermal Energy in Gelderland, central eastern part of the Netherlands.
The province of Gelderland aims to be energy-neutral by 2050. To achieve that make the energy supply more sustainable. Ultra-deep geothermal energy can make an important contribution there deliver. Provincial states must still decide on this proposal.
Ultra Deep geothermal energy is a way to use heat in deeper layers with temperatures above 130 degrees Celsius. Because of these high temperatures, it is one of the few sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels in industrial production such as Parenco in Renkum. It is also a solution for places where normal geothermal energy in higher soil layers does not is possible as is the case in Nijmegen.
Green Deal
To safely assess the possibilities of Ultra Deep Geothermics in the Netherlands, a consortium, of seven partners signed a “Green Deal last year. In this cooperation program, the consortia will join EBN together with Energie Beheer Nederland and TNO to investigate whether ultra-deep geothermal energy can be a sustainable solution to provide heat and energy. One of the consortia members is Tellus Renkum BV.
The consortium wants to research the possibilities of ultra-deep geothermal development. For the first phase of the project, the seismic survey of the region a contribution from the province was requested.
Seismic research
Seismic studies can be compared with using echo. Here vibrations are caused by the layers of earth, literally creating an image of the deep ground. In Gelderland, the seismic survey will roughly take place in an area from Renkum to Nijmegen. This area is part of a larger strip from Noord-Holland to North Limburg, which appears very suitable for ultra-deep geothermal energy due to the composition of the soil.
The seismic survey will take place in the course of this year. The first results of hte study are expected in the beginning of 2019. Depending on the results, none, one or more projects could be developed as a pilot.
Identify risks and opportunities
The Provincial Executive is positive about seismic research. Seismic soil investigation poses no risk to the living environment and provides important information at a later date to be able to judge properly about a possible pilot.
Aardwwarte in de Vallei (Geothermal energy in the Valley) is a collaboration between Parenco, QNQ and Alliander Sustainable Area Development (DGO). Details about the purpose of the project, the project participants and partners, Ultra Deep geothermal energy and the latest developments of this project can be found on the group’s website.
If you would like more information about UltraDeep Geothermal Energy (UDG), we would like to refer you to www.hoewerktaardwarmte.nl and www.geothermie.nl . These websites are compiled by partners of Aardwarmte in de Vallei.
For more information: www.aardwarmteindevallei.nl
Source: Press Release
