Geo4all

Under the leadership of Geothermie Nederland, EBN, and TNO, 23 parties in the geothermal sector are working together on a broad innovation program called Geo4all. The research themes are expected to yield results that will lead to increased geothermal energy extraction at lower costs, with a focus on societal impact and sustainability.

Background of the Geo4all innovation program

The geothermal sector in the Netherlands has accumulated 15 years of practical experience. Numerous studies have been conducted, and a wealth of knowledge has been gained during this time. In 2020-2021, an inventory of the innovation needs of the geothermal sector was carried out. The report “Innovatie Aardwarmte 2021” forms the foundation for the Geo4all innovation program. Within Geo4all, research institutes collaborate with organizations operating in the field. This approach facilitates the development of knowledge and the sharing of insights that are of great value to the geothermal sector. The program runs from June 2024 to 2028.

Broad support

The innovation program is subsidized with a PPS innovation grant from TKI Nieuw Gas | Topsector Energie. TKI Nieuw Gas approved the Geo4all project plan in June 2024 and has reserved a subsidy of €3.6 million to implement this innovation program over the next three to four years. The project participants themselves are contributing an amount of €2.7 million.

Project leader

Darren Jones

TNO

Ask a question

Ambassadors

Radboud Vorage

Geothermie Nederland

Nora Heijnen

EBN

Kris Hopstaken

TNO

Downloads

Work packages

Work package 1

Uncovering shallow geothermal systems: Geothermal projects at depths of 500-1500 meters provide more available heat and at lower costs. Until now, this shallow geothermal energy has never been investigated as thoroughly as deep geothermal energy....

Work package 2

Unlocking suboptimal reservoirs: For suboptimal reservoirs, new drilling techniques and completion of the wells can be the solution. Research into improving the extraction of geothermal heat in layers of the earth that were previously considered less suitable makes it possible to extract geothermal heat in more parts of the Netherlands and at lower costs....

Work package 3

Shallow closed geothermal systems (closed-loop): Develop insights to promote the use of deeper closed geothermal systems (from 300 to 1500 meters) by demonstrating that these systems achieve a higher efficiency and are also safe for the environment....

Work package 4

3M cold front and induced seismicity: This work package examines permitted operational limits (injection temperatures and pressures), seismic hazard and rock integrity. Measurements and research will take place at various geothermal locations to validate existing models and reduce uncertainties....

Work package 5

Value of geothermal data: Bringing efficiency improvements to geothermal facilities through better use of operational data and improved monitoring and standards....