Geothermal heat

In various partnerships, researchers at Shell researchers look at how collective heat systems in combination with renewable power sources can be made reliable and affordable. System and process innovations are necessary for a more efficient design, construction and management of a heat grid and a good interaction between parties. The researchers map out how much, where and at what cost heat can be extracted through geothermal energy. Part of the research looks at how geothermal heat and residual heat can be stored underground responsibly.

ETCA already applies a variation of geothermal technology on a smaller scale. At ETCA, the temperature is regulated via underground heat and cold storage along with heat pumps that use renewable power from Dutch wind farms. Two heat sources and two cold sources are located at a depth of approximately 180 metres. In the winter, the heat sources provide warm water to heat the building. As soon as the water has cooled down, it is stored in the cold sources. The building can be cooled in the summer with this cold water. Once the water has warmed up again, it goes back to the warm sources for storage.