Geoscience and Technology

Geoscience and Technology research group

The Geoscience and Technology (GST) research group of the Geological Survey of the Netherlands (GDN) conducts research on geo-energy in the context of the energy transition. Technologies that help to reduce carbon emissions are central to our work in this regard.

GST conducts applied geoscientific research in a variety of research areas. We are researching geothermal energy and underground heat storage, but also carbon transport and storage, underground hydrogen storage, efficient oil and gas production and its safe phasing out, and system integration for the energy transition. Our research furthermore supports the data, information, and advisory tasks of GDN, particularly in the areas of subsidence and the impact of mining.

Research into geothermal energy

Our research into geothermal energy aims to facilitate a strong growth in the number of geothermal production systems over the coming decades. Our aim is to promote the development and position of geothermal energy and underground heat storage in the supply of renewable heat.

In particular, we apply our knowledge at home and abroad to:

• Exploration to determine geothermal potential and feasibility studies.
• Technology development in research programmes focused on efficient geothermal energy production and underground heat storage.
• Monitoring programmes and risk studies into geothermal energy production.
• Technical support for public authorities and industry (including SMEs) in large-scale urban (re)development projects.

One integrated result of our research is ThermoGIS, which we helped to develop. This GDN product is a public, web-based geographic information system that shows the geothermal energy potential of the Netherlands by region.

Safe underground carbon storage

Since the early 1990s, we have been conducting research into safe underground carbon storage. To do this, GST combines its expertise in the geosciences with the knowledge it has developed specifically for carbon storage. This includes feasibility and capacity studies of potential sites, monitoring, risk studies, and regulation. We work closely with gas producers, public authorities, and energy-intensive industries. As we move towards the large-scale implementation of carbon storage, our research also focuses on practical issues facing industry.

GST is part of international research programmes to support the development of storage projects. We were a partner in the national research programme CATO, which covered all aspects of underground carbon storage. Our aim is to accelerate the development of storage projects, particularly in depleted gas fields. In such fields, the safety and security of storage is crucial.

Efficient and safe mining activities

It is necessary to understand the safety risks in mining activities such as oil and gas production, geothermal energy production, and underground carbon storage. Long-term effects and potential impacts on other subsurface uses should also be considered. The 2023 parliamentary inquiry into natural gas production in Groningen highlighted the importance of understanding safety risks in mining activities.

GST’s expertise is primarily focused on the modelling and interpretation of geomechanical risks such as subsidence and induced seismicity. We are also developing models and methodologies to estimate the probability of well leaks. We do this both for existing wells and wells that are being plugged and abandoned after the end of their production life.

Large-scale energy storage

Our research contributes to the transition to a zero-carbon energy system and the use of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. The supply of these energy sources is highly variable, both in the short term (hours) and in the longer term (seasons). This requires the flexible availability of energy and thus its storage.

The subsurface offers opportunities for large-scale underground energy storage. However, other uses of the subsurface must be taken into account, as the different uses may affect each other. In addition to developing specific (underground) storage technologies, we are also researching the technical and economic feasibility of large-scale underground energy storage.

Within GST, we are developing specific flexibility and system integration technologies with a focus on the sustainable use of the subsurface. One example is the North Sea Energy Programme, to which we contribute both coordination and content. This programme is investigating how the North Sea’s infrastructure can be used for wind power, hydrogen production, and underground carbon storage.

Experimental facilities

GDN has two experimental facilities:

• In the geomechanical laboratory ‘IM4RockLab’ in Utrecht, we investigate the mechanical and hydrological properties of reservoir rocks and sealing rocks at high pressures and temperatures. This research into the interaction between the storage and production of liquids or gases and the rock formations contributes to the safe and efficient use of the subsurface.
• The focus of the Rijswijk Centre for Sustainable Geo-energy (RCSG) is to reduce the total cost of ownership of production wells. This is essential for the large-scale implementation of geo-energy applications in general and geothermal energy in particular. In Rijswijk, extensive research is being carried out into innovative drilling techniques and designing and constructing wells. Facilities available at the RCSG include a drilling rig, mechanical and hydraulic testing facilities, several flow loops, and a 400-metre-deep well for in-situ testing.

Would you like to know more?

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