Geothermal R&D, new projects and perspectives for basic scientific research

Abstract

Multinational geothermal research initiatives have been growing significantly over the past few years. Within the framework of the EC funded Horizon 2020 programme, 11 geothermal projects were positively evaluated, 9 already started in September 2017. Together with on-going projects funded from the seventh framework programme FP7, the European Commission have allocated around 82M€ in grants, whereas total project costs are up to 145M€ for the coming years. In addition, several national initiatives complement the European R&D projects. Research proposed in these projects covers aspects along the entire value chain from exploration, drilling and completion, stimulation concepts and monitoring technologies and value added use of brine before reinjection. Although dedicated to increasing the market penetration for geothermal energy - i.e., designed with the perspective of applied research - current projects are lined up to tackle basic research questions as well. The size and diversity of current geothermal research activities is unprecedented in Europe. In order to maximise the impact of these efforts and to use this unique opportunity to bring geothermal energy provision a critical step forward, a close exchange across national as well as project boundaries is of key value. Within this presentation, an overview of the current European research projects will be given.