Research and Innovation
To enable the wider deployment of geothermal energy, a strong understanding of the subsurface and continued technological innovation are essential. By expanding our knowledge and improving the technology, we can further reduce the cost of this sustainable heat source while maintaining high standards of safety and reliability.
Energy Beheer Nederland (EBN), together with its partners, invests in the research and technological innovations needed to enable the safe and affordable deployment of geothermal energy in the built environment. We contribute both expertise and financial resources.
EBN also plays a connecting role by bringing together innovators and market participants at an early stage in the development of research proposals. Upon request, and where this aligns with our public mandate, EBN also participates in advisory boards and sounding boards for innovation projects. In addition, EBN operates its own Geothermal Knowledge Programme.
Use the form below to contact Guido van Yperen, Manager Techonoly Geothermal Energy.
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Assessment of Innovation and Research Needs
Geothermal energy can make a significant contribution to a sustainable and reliable heat system for the Netherlands. To help accelerate its deployment, EBN together with the Dutch trade organisation for geothermal energy, Geothermie Nederland, conducted an assessment in 2021 of the knowledge, technologies and innovations required. The study focused on how geothermal energy can be applied safely and cost-effectively in the built environment, greenhouse horticulture and industry.
The assessment showed that a better understanding of the subsurface, cost reductions through technological innovation, and closer collaboration between public and private stakeholders are all essential. These findings have since formed the basis for targeted innovation initiatives and follow-up activities across the geothermal sector.
Research and Innovation Projects
EBN is involved in a range of research and innovation projects related to geothermal energy. We also carry out seismic surveys and scientific research drilling programmes. The overviews below provide more information about our current and completed projects.
Ongoing Research Projects
Research into the Presence of Geothermal Energy
During the exploration and production of oil and gas, a great deal has been learned about the properties of geological formations in the Dutch subsurface. However, our understanding of the subsurface still contains significant knowledge gaps. These are areas where little or no oil and gas was discovered. Yet, due to their geological characteristics, these same formations may be highly suitable for geothermal energy production. Through seismic surveys, supplemented by exploratory drilling, EBN works together with partners such as TNO to close these knowledge gaps. This work is carried out through the SCAN Geothermal Energy programme.
Geo4All is an innovation programme in which 23 partners collaborate on developing new knowledge and technologies to support the safe and affordable deployment of geothermal energy. EBN, TNO and Geothermie Nederland jointly coordinate the programme. By combining research activities with practical experience from the field, the programme helps accelerate the development and deployment of geothermal energy in the Netherlands. For more information, visit Geo4All.
WarmingUPGOO stands for Geothermal Energy, Storage and Upscaling. The programme focuses on accelerating the deployment of geothermal energy and subsurface heat storage in the Netherlands. It aims to strengthen knowledge of the mid-depth subsurface (up to 1,500 metres), develop and test technical innovations for high-temperature heat storage, and investigate potential environmental impacts. In addition, WarmingUPGOO works to improve the efficiency of geothermal energy production and to increase public acceptance of geothermal energy. For more information, visit WarmingUPGOO.
WGOBES – Working Group for the Development of Closed-Loop Ground Energy Systems
The Collective Borehole Loop Project investigates how a single deep borehole loop at a depth of 400 to 800 metres can provide heat to a heat pump network serving four to twelve homes. During the project, all components required for large-scale deployment are being developed and tested. EBN contributes technical and legal expertise gained from deep drilling projects for geothermal energy. For EBN, the project serves as an exploration of whether ground energy systems can also be applied at greater depths, thereby offering a reliable, sustainable and affordable alternative for heat supply. For more information, visit The Collective Borehole Loop Project (Dutch only).
The Knowledge and Innovation Roadmap for Geothermal Energy (KIRA) programme aims to coordinate research activities within the geothermal energy sector. To date, three studies have been completed under the programme: groundwater monitoring, alternative materials for well design, and the incineration of NORM-containing solid materials. One final study is currently still underway. At the Trias Westland geothermal project, researchers are investigating how the injection well affects the temperature of the surrounding groundwater. To monitor these effects accurately, additional temperature measurements will be carried out until the end of 2026. These measurements provide valuable insights that support the safe deployment of geothermal energy.
DIAMETER is developing the knowledge and solutions needed to make low-temperature geothermal energy projects in the built environment commercially viable within the next five years. The programme builds on the insights gained through Work Package 1 of Geo4All and focuses on addressing the key technical challenges identified in the Acceleration Plan for Low-Temperature Geothermal Energy. EBN plays a connecting role within the programme and contributes both expertise and financial resources. For more information, visit MOOI DIAMETER – Topsector Energie.
The CHILL project is developing a standardised approach for very low-temperature (VLT) heat networks. These networks offer an affordable and future-proof solution for making homes more sustainable. They are deployed using a fibre-optic-style rollout approach, allowing households to connect when it best suits their circumstances. For EBN, VLT heat networks are particularly relevant because they may be combined with low-temperature geothermal energy sourced from the shallow subsurface (approximately 500 to 1,500 metres deep). For more information: CHILL: very low temperature networks.
Completed Research Projects
The TKI ProperBase project focused on improving the predictability of reservoir properties in Dutch geothermal systems and reducing associated uncertainties. Within the project, EBN and IF Technology developed two products that help the Dutch geothermal sector improve the prediction of reservoir characteristics. The Upscaling Guideline and the Well Test Protocol support operators in translating data from core measurements, well logging and well tests into reliable input parameters for geological models in a standardised and robust manner.
The Ultra-Deep Geothermal Energy (UDG) programme was carried out by EBN and TNO between 2017 and 2020. The programme generated valuable insights into the potential of geothermal projects at depths greater than 4,000 metres in the Dutch subsurface. The 14 studies were conducted by project teams comprising national and international experts, together with specialists from TNO and EBN. All studies have been completed and can be accessed via EBN’s Knowledge Base. For more information on the key findings regarding the feasibility of ultra-deep geothermal energy projects, please refer to Ultra-Deep Geothermal Energy (UDG).