Eavor-Loop™ Feasibility for Tilburg (Amer network) and Outlook for application in the Netherlands
The energy generation and consumption in the Netherlands is slowly but steadily shifting away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy sources, such as offshore wind, and solar, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In order to improve renewable energy security and affordability, other sources of renewable energy, like geothermal energy, need to become part of the energy mix in the near future. At present, the majority of geothermal wells in The Netherlands are shallow wells, but deeper wells with high power output will be required to make a larger contribution to the overall energy supply. In this light, the ELFO project assessed the feasibility and economic viability of a deep well system: the Eavor Loop, consisting of 12 multi-laterals. The consortium of TNO (independent research institution), Eavor (geothermal energy company), Huisman Geo BV (drilling equipment & research) and EnNatuurlijk (operator of district heating) evaluated the suitability of this technology as primary heat source for city heating networks in the Tilburg area and for possible wider adaption in the Netherlands.
Next-generation geothermal energy scaling worldwide at an unprecedented rate
Geothermal energy has become one of the fastest-growing non-mainstream clean energy technologies in the world, according to S&P Global Commodity Insights. While conventional methods for harnessing geothermal power have been limited by geographical and geological constraints, next-generation technologies have innovated to unlock virtually unlimited potential. Over the past three years, the rise of start-up companies and substantial investments from major energy players underscores the rapid growth of next-gen geothermal. These advancements have raised over $630 million in funding and garnered support from leading global energy companies.
Eavor signs a geothermal action plan in the Netherlands
In an ongoing effort to develop clean and reliable energy for the Netherlands, Eavor has recently signed an action plan to accelerate geothermal energy in North Brabant. This initiative, driven by the province of North Brabant, the municipality of Helmond, and the Dutch government -owned company EBN B.V., aims to accelerate geothermal energy production in the region. Initiatives outlined in the action plan will focus on areas such as addressing obstacles in the Ruhr Valley, enhancing geological data accuracy, mitigating financial risks, and optimizing existing heating networks for sustainability. Additionally, the plan includes research into the potential of shallow geothermal energy.
