Projects
H3O programme
2024
H3O stands for ‘(hydro)geological 3D modelling of the subsurface (ondergrond in Dutch)’. The H3O programme consists of a series of projects focused on the Dutch border regions. In border areas where (hydro)geological data, information, and models from different countries converge but do not match, the projects of the H3O programme will ensure that they do from now on.
Paleo-Five: the final frontier in North Sea exploration
2021
As part of the cross-border Paleo-Five Project, researchers from the Geological Survey of the Netherlands (GDN) and the British Geological Survey (BGS) worked on mapping out ancient, deeply buried rock strata from the Carboniferous period. Experts from the fields of geology, geochemistry, paleo-ecology, and seismology studied the geological distribution and composition of these rock layers for an offshore area shared by five countries in the southern and central North Sea.
GDN advises geological survey of Saudi Arabia
2021
As the second largest oil-producing country in the world, Saudi Arabia wants to anticipate the global transition to sustainable energy sources. The country has embarked on a diversification strategy with the mining sector as its economy’s new big driver. An important step in this is the creation of a geological database. The Geological Survey of the Netherlands (GDN) is part of a consortium supporting this ambition.
International research into underground hydrogen storage
2021
Commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy (EZK), TNO’s Advisory Group for Economic Affairs and Climate (TNO AGE) is coordinating an international research task aimed at demonstrating and upscaling underground hydrogen storage. It does this within the context of the Hydrogen Technology Collaboration Program (Hydrogen TCP) of the International Energy Agency (IEA). Large-scale hydrogen storage is expected to become an important, and possibly essential, technology in the energy system of the future.
Information provision to local governments
2021
We see an increasing need for information and knowledge about the subsurface amongst municipalities, provinces, water authorities, and environmental services. That is why we work together with various regions on issues about subsurface energy, mining, groundwater, and the link between the surface and subsurface. We also provide support in setting up a knowledge network and act as a sounding board for subsurface research.
Groundwater dating
2021
Groundwater dating to better understand the subsurface At the Geological Survey of the Netherlands, we carry out groundwater dating. In cooperation with universities at home and abroad, we measure various stable and radioactive isotopes (also called tracers). We use them to determine the age of the groundwater, which gives us and our clients more insight
Public SHRA Groningen
2021
SHRA stands for ‘Seismic Hazard and Risk Analysis’. The SHRA provides an expectation of future ground movements and the safety risk for residents in the Groningen earthquake area resulting from gas production from the Groningen gas field. The SHRA is an important part of the annual operational strategy set out by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy (EZK).
Sand Supply Represented
2021
DIS North Sea Sand is the second most widely used natural resource in the world after water. Every year, around 35 million cubic metres of sand is extracted from the Dutch part of the North Sea. This sand is used for coastal protection and for construction. Together with Deltares, the Geological Survey of the Netherlands