Collaboration
The project, a collaboration between Utrecht University, TU Delft, the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI), and the TNO Geological Survey of the Netherlands, aims to produce a physics-based understanding of the subsurface. It will provide the research capabilities to improve our understanding of micro-processes in the subsurface. And of how these control the large-scale behavior during geo-energy production or fluid storage. One of the key goals is to increase efficient use of geothermal energy, ultimately accelerating the number of geothermal projects being deployed in the Netherlands.This grant opens up a barrel of possibilities for research into the impact of human use of our subsurface
Martyn Drury
Department of Earth Sciences
Open access to research data
The research project will ensure that unique data from the Dutch subsurface is openly available and centrally accessible through EPOS, the European research infrastructure for solid Earth sciences. EPOS-eNLarge builds on the research project EPOS-NL, which integrates large-scale geophysical facilities in the Netherlands into a coherent infrastructure for research into geo-societal challenges.Text continues below image.
From nanometer to kilometer
"This grant opens up a barrel of possibilities for research into the impact of human use of our subsurface," says Martyn Drury, EPOS-eNLarge scientific director and researcher at Utrecht University. "It is critical to understand such impact at all relevant scales: from nanometer to kilometer. And then to share our findings internationally through the EPOS data portal. We are all very excited that we can now set up the means to enable this."About NWO-LSRI
Large-scale scientific infrastructure is essential for Dutch science. It may be highly specialised equipment, such as large telescopes, high field magnets or advanced sensors and measurement networks necessary for biological and earth science research. But also ’virtual’ facilities, such as large databases, scientific computer networks, or data and sample collections. "Investments in large-scale infrastructure contribute to the international position of the Netherlands as a country of knowledge. Science and research cannot do without the right scientific infrastructure," said Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf.Two projects from Utrecht University have received NWO-GWI grants: --ENIGMA and EPOS-eNLarge. A total of nine projects were honoured this round.
More about --ENIGMA
NWO: Nine projects to receive 140 million for large-scale scientific infrastructure