Resource assessment for deep sedimentary and basement reservoirs

What is this call about?

The topic funds methods, models and equipment to assess deep geothermal resources with low natural permeability, with attention to induced seismicity and community engagement. Projects are expected to reach technology readiness level 4-5.

What does this call fund?

Scope

Deep sedimentary and basement reservoirs usually have low permeability, high drilling costs and scarce data, because they are normally ignored by hydrocarbon exploration. The main challenge is to predict their structures and properties so that suitable locations can be found for approaches that overcome low permeability, such as Enhanced Geothermal Systems or closed-loop geothermal systems.

What proposals should do

• Develop advanced methods, technologies and conceptual models, for different geological settings, to identify suitable conditions for geothermal exploitation, tackle data scarcity and make the most of available information.
• Contribute to assessing environmental and social impacts and to unlocking resources with low natural permeability at depths of 2000 to 6000 metres, with advances beyond the state of the art in equipment, methods and models that give predictive power beyond conventional depths.
• Take account of the effect of reservoir conditions, such as in-situ stress, temperature and geomechanical and chemical properties, on development and performance, covering where relevant stimulation techniques, well design and completion, co-production of raw materials and wellbore stability.
• Validate the benefit of the proposed solution using state-of-the-art decision and risk analysis methods.
• Practise early, continuous and inclusive societal engagement that is sensitive to impacts on biodiversity, water balance, pollution, land occupation, visual impact, noise, seismicity and non-targeted aquifers.

The topic requires social sciences and humanities expertise. Activities are expected to reach technology readiness level 4-5 by the end of the project, and may start at any level.

Expected outcomes

All of: a larger knowledge base for developers to unlock unexploited geothermal resources, raise drilling success rates and performance, reduce induced seismicity risk and deploy geothermal energy sustainably in environmental and socioeconomic terms; and citizens and local communities that are engaged and benefit from local, more secure and affordable renewable energy.

When is the deadline?

1 December 2026 (26 days)