Subsurface research for geothermal heat extraction

Starting in mid-September, subsurface research will take place in the municipality of Nuenen. This seismic survey is part of a national investigation to gather information about the subsurface in the Netherlands. The aim is to be able to estimate more accurately where geothermal heat extraction is possible. It is an exploratory survey. Extracting geothermal heat is not part of this study. Residents and any businesses in the immediate vicinity of the work will receive a letter at home about this. View the Map of the survey area.

Planning work

The work will be carried out over the next few weeks (starting September 19, 2023). On weekdays, the work will take place both during the day and in the evening hours (between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m.). The ignition of the seismic charges will sometimes also take place in the evening hours and possibly on Saturdays. This is because then there is less ambient noise, which is important for making good measurements. The quieter the environment, the more reliable the outcome of the measurement.

Geothermal energy research

As part of the energy transition, the Rijksoverheid sees opportunities to use geothermal heat to make some of our heat demand in homes, offices and for certain industry more sustainable. Geothermal heat is hot water naturally present deep in the ground. In large parts of the Netherlands, however, little information is known about the subsoil and the Rijksoverheid government wants to gather more information about it. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate is therefore funding the national research called 'Seismic Campaign Geothermal Energy Netherlands' (SCAN). SCAN is being conducted by TNO and EBN (Energie Beheer Nederland).

Seismic survey

Seismic surveys involve sending sound waves into the subsurface to Map the thickness and location of underlying strata. For more information on what seismic surveying is, visit www.scanaardwarmte.nl or watch the film below.

Learn more

Visit www.scanaardwarmte.nl for more information about SCAN. This website will soon include the locations of the seismic survey in this region, and you can read updates about the work in this area.