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Ultra-Deep Geothermal Energy Program (UDG) in the Netherlands

Ultra-Deep Geothermal Energy Program (UDG) in the Netherlands Drilling rig on site on Bergschenhoek project site, Netherlands (source: Zublin)
Alexander Richter 25 Mar 2020

The Netherlands have an interesting program that bundles the work of different parties in increasing and applying the knowledge of ultra-deep geothermal energy development in the country.

The Ultra-Deep Geothermal Energy (UDG) program in the Netherlands has been set up to increase and apply the knowledge of ultra-deep geothermal energy in the Netherlands.

The program originated from the Green Deal Ultra-Deep Geothermal. This was signed on June 19, 2017 by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate (EZK), the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment, EBN, TNO and seven consortia of companies. The aim of the Green Deal was to provide a joint answer to the questions whether and if so where and how safe development of UDG is possible and whether UDG can make a substantial future contribution to the sustainable heat supply for light industry in particular. The UDG Green Deal has officially ended by the beginning of 2020 and the parties involved have decided to continue the cooperation in the UDG program to provide an adequate answer to the two questions, and to then possibly proceed to the realization in 2021 or 2022. of one or more pilot projects in the identified geological regions.

 

 

Exploration work program

Through a joint Exploration Work Program (EWP), a coordinated implementation of exploration activities and subsurface modeling takes place in the three identified geological regions, including the acquisition, (re) processing and interpretation of the required subsurface data and the development of a three-dimensional subsurface model and the conceptual well. and stimulation designs. The Diantien earth layer is the main focus here.

Studies within SCAN

The EWP uses 12 support studies that have been carried out since the end of 2018 and are carried out by project teams, mostly consisting of national and international experts and consultants and employees of TNO and EBN, within the SCAN research program Furthermore, there is additional seismic research within SCAN that also supports the EWP. The EWP has a first phase with generic studies, usually at national level, and a follow-up phase in which the consortia use the study results from the first phase for further studies and modelling on a regional and local scale.

Knowledge and Expertise program

Through a Knowledge and Expertise program (KEP), further joint knowledge is built up by the parties involved on 8 themes. These themes concern the following three themes of the EWP: Exploration & Static Model , Dynamic Subsurface Modelling and Development Concepts and five other themes whose activities are mainly invested in EBN and the consortia. These themes are Communication & stakeholder engagement , Business case analysis & financing , Heat demand topsoil: System integration optimization , Integral project development and Project management. These themes are addressed in KEP through joint workshops and working groups

View the division of roles within the UDG program .

Source: UDG Program website at EBN