'Decision Support under Uncertainty for Geothermal Applications'
Geothermal energy as a renewable, continuously available source of energy can help reduce our climate impact and increase energy guarantee. Shallow, closed systems, in combination with heat pumps, can provide a heating source. Deeper systems can provide thermal energy that can be used as heat source for district heating networks, industrial applications and even electricity production.
The DESIGNATE project ("Decision Support under Uncertainty for Geothermal Applications") focuses on geothermal applications for direct heating or for co-generation of heat and electricity that extract heat from deep reservoirs or from abandoned underground mines. Uncertainties are much greater with deep wells than with shallow ones. In addition, geological uncertainties lead to high financial risks, hindering investment in deep geothermal projects.
Regional forecasts on the potential of deep geothermal energy in the Belgian energy mix should integrate these uncertainties. The overall objective of the project is to create tools for integrated forecasting under uncertainty for the selected geothermal systems in Belgium and to set up a methodological framework for territorial LCA’s that take into account surface and subsurface effects. The tools developed will make it possible to include uncertainties in integrated geological, techno-economic and environmental assessments, leading to a better understanding of available geothermal resources, their application potential and their impact on other activities, economy and environment.
Timing
15/12/2019 – 15/03/2024
Funding
The DESIGNATE project is financed by the BELSPO BRAIN-be 2.0 research programme contract nr B2/191/P1/DESIGNATE
Partners
IRSNB-KBIN (Kris Welkenhuysen)
University of Antwerp (Tine Compernolle)
University of Mons (Olivier Kaufmann)
VITO (Ben Laenen)
