T&A's study for the Geothermal Knowledge Agenda (Kennisagenda Aardwarmte) focuses
on determining and predicting deviations in the geothermal gradient near
geological fault zones in the West Netherlands Basin and Roer Valley Graben. A
good prediction of the temperature is essential in geothermal energy projects.
The average gradient in the Netherlands is 3.1˚C per 100 meters (depth). This
can vary locally and this seems to be related to fracture systems in the subsurface.
The study focuses on deviating temperature gradients near large-scale fault zones
and the potential consequences (positive and negative) for geothermal projects.
Download the report: Geological study into
the geothermal potential near fault zones in the Roer Valley Graben and West
Netherlands Basin
The
Geothermal Knowledge Agenda was set up by industry and the Dutch government to
finance research into geothermal energy. The ambition of the Kennisagenda is to
develop geothermal energy into an efficient, affordable and reliable heat
source for greenhouse horticulture, industry and the built environment by 2030,
making it into a substantial contributor to the Dutch energy supply. Objectives
of the Kennisagenda include reducing uncertainties and risks (with the focus on
the operational phase and the design phase), improving operational and
energetic efficiency and extending the lifetime of a geothermal energy source.
