Discipline Geo-Energy
With a rise in the worldwide standard of living and a growing world population, the use of the deep subsurface is becoming more intense. At the same time, society requires an accurate estimate of the risks and environmental impacts involved with subsurface engineering. The Geo-Energy discipline will educate engineers who are fully equipped to play a substantial role in the global energy transition towards a more sustainable use of deep subsurface geo-resources, like geothermal energy, underground storage of CO2, H2, hydrocarbon engineering.
What you will learn
➨ Characterising, monitoring and predicting the properties and behaviour of the energy-related subsurface use and the environmental response to subsurface engineering activities
➨ Simulating, predicting and monitoring processes of deep subsurface use and designing interventions while minimizing the economic and environmental risks
| Highlighted Student Story
What is bubbling underground?
Of the many renewable sources of energy currently being explored, it was geothermal energy that caught the imagination of Cas Verweij. Geothermal energy, which is produced by pumping up hot water from reservoirs far below the Earth’s crust, has many uses. One of which is heating homes. Cas is studying the CO2 bubbles in the sub-surface to see if the rocks are suitable for geothermal energy.
Research Example
A geothermal research well on TU Delft's premises
Years ago a group of TU Delft students got the idea of realising a geothermal well at the university campus. What at first seemed like a wild plan was set into motion when it became clear the campus grounds were in fact an ideal location. Now, for theme leader Phil Vardon things are almost about to get real. After years of measuring, liaising and researching, detailed preparations to make it a reality are in full flow now.