GeoLaB - Geothermal Laboratory in the Crystalline Basement

In view of climate change and the geopolitical situation, Europe's dependence on fossil fuels must be reduced as quickly as possible and energy transition efforts accelerated. Geothermal energy has a key role for heat provision and storage. The greatest geothermal potential is in crystalline bedrock with important hotspots in tectonically stressed areas. To better harness this energy under sustainable, predictable, and efficient conditions, new targeted, science-based strategies are needed. The planned GeoLaB (Geothermal Laboratory in the Crystalline Basement) underground research laboratory will address fundamental challenges in reservoir technology and borehole safety of deep geothermal projects. The planned experiments will contribute significantly to our understanding of the coupled, nonlinear processes associated with high flow rates in crystalline reservoir rocks. The application and development of state-of-the-art monitoring and analysis tools will provide fundamental insights that are essential for the safe and environmentally sustainable exploitation of geothermal energy. As an interdisciplinary and international research platform, GeoLaB will collaborate with universities, industry partners and professional organizations to foster synergies. ... mehrThe geoscientific community is invited to take part in GeoLaB.