Energy Systems & Geotechnics


Underground Research Laboratories


Underground research laboratories such as in Mont Terri are dedicated to intensive in-situ research to better understand processes which may occur with the usage of subsurface repositories

Project link: GeomInt, iCROSS,
Video:
Publications:
Credits: To Swisstopo, the Mt. Terri Consortium, BGR, Helmholtz Association for inspiration and continuous support
Funding: GeomInt (BMBF grant 03G0866A), iCROSS (BMBF grant 02NUK053E, Helmholtz Association grant SO-093)


Energy Storage

Salt Caverns

Large underground stores are required for fluctuating renewable energy resources. The frequent loading and unloading of salt cavern arrays is investigated from a geomechanical point of view.

Project link: ANGUS+, H2-UGS
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BtvH2kBt_4
Publications:
Credits: to the ANGUS team, to BMWi, BMBF for funding


Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS)

Groß Schönebeck

Enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) are being developed for tapping deeper geothermal energy resources. Numerical modeling of the thermo-hydro-mechanical and even chemical processes helps for planning and assessing environmental impacts ...

Project links: GEMex, POF-3 Groß Schönebeck
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5FL62lyLhQ
Publications:
Credits: to the GFZ for collaboration and Helmholtz Association for funding within POF-3


Thermo-Chemical Heat Storage (NUMTHECHSTORE)

NUMTHECHSTORE

Thermal energy storage is of high strategic relevance for a sustainable energy system. The development of next generation storage systems like thermochemical solutions is accompanied by major scientific challenges. Due to the complexity of the considered storage systems and the exceptional efforts for the development of storage materials as well as for the implementation of large-scale experiments, modelling and numerical simulation are of outstanding importance for the prediction of the operational behaviour and the optimisation of thermochemical heat storage systems.

Project link: NUMTHECHSTORE
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_IVa33uhcI
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4e3inydE4zY
Publications:
Credits: to Helmholtz Association for funding


Carbon Capture Storage

Otway

Geophysical exploration (e.g. seismics) provides a better picture of subsurface systems and allow for better planning of geological CO2 storage repositories …

Project link: PROTECT, CO2BENCH
Publications:
Credits: to the BMBF for funding within the Geotechnologies Program


Completed Projects

Geometric modelling with GOCAD