Geo-energy

In the Geo-energy program, there is also a focus on integration into the energy system and smart reuse of existing infrastructure for the new energy system, such as empty fields for energy storage, pipelines for the transport of hydrogen, CO2 or green gas, and platforms for energy conversion and compression. These activities, for example, take place in the public-private research program North Sea Energy.

R&D-agenda

The R&D agenda encompasses seven themes:

• Geological Characterisation - New exploration techniques and a better understanding of under-explored areas or layers in the Dutch subsurface for gas extraction and geothermal energy.
• Energy Reservoir Development - Developing techniques to increase the efficiency of production and ultimate recovery from existing fields.
• Drilling and Completion - Innovative technologies to drill new wells from a cradle-to-cradle perspective, focused on cleanup or reuse of wells without high costs or damage to the living environment. For geothermal energy, it mainly concerns cost reduction and new materials.
• Well and Flowline Management - Maximizing production from and injection into wells through, for example, stimulation and monitoring and optimization techniques, and minimizing issues related to transport and undesirable components (corrosion, deposition).
• Energy System Integration and Infrastructure Reuse - Extending the use of infrastructure (platforms, pipelines or wells) by reducing costs or developing alternative functions - possibly in conjunction with other energy sources, such as offshore wind and geothermal energy. Developing cost-saving multipurpose well constructions for the combined production of gas and geothermal energy.
• Decommissioning and Abandonment - Safely and efficiently closing wells to avoid leakage risks. This also includes dismantling infrastructure without damage to the ecology, particularly in the North Sea.
• Societal Demands and Public Support - Minimizing the impact of underground activities on the living environment through emission reduction of harmful substances and avoidance of noise to air, water or soil. Maintaining a license to operate for the use of the subsurface for energy-related activities.

Interesting publications

• Innovatie Inventarisatie Aardwarmte (2021). Click here for the roadmap
• Offshore Systeem Integratie Noordzee – North Sea Energy Programma. Click here for various reports
• Studies on the potential for underground energy storage in the Netherlands: Click here for a relevant report andhere for others.
• Global status report on underground hydrogen storage with contributions from the Netherlands: Click here for this report

Pilot projects

The project database provides a good overview of relevant projects in this field. Within TKI Nieuw Gas, you can search for geo-energy projects.