Joining forces for sustainable use of the subsurface

Utrecht University and TNO Geological Survey of the Netherlands are joining forces to conduct more intensive research into the sustainable use of the subsurface. Through this collaboration, they aim to develop new knowledge more quickly and translate it into practical solutions for major societal challenges, such as the energy transition. On 21 May, both parties signed a cooperation agreement to this end.

In this way, we are laying a stronger foundation for the responsible and sustainable use of the subsurface

Under this partnership, researchers from both organisations are able to collaborate even more easily on new research proposals and projects. They also supervise PhD students and interns and publish joint scientific articles. The researchers focus on what happens underground, how heat, pressure and substances behave there, and how these processes can be better measured, monitored and predicted.

Importance of the subsurface

The subsurface is essential for tackling major societal challenges. These include geothermal energy, drinking water, energy and CO₂ storage, and the safe development of our living environment. At the same time, the subsurface is becoming increasingly congested, making multifunctional use and the balancing of different interests within it ever more important. This is another reason why we need a better understanding of how the subsurface works and how we can use it in a sustainable and responsible manner.

The collaboration aims to ensure that fundamental research and practical application reinforce each other more effectively. “In this way, we are laying a stronger foundation for the responsible and sustainable use of the subsurface,” says Annemarie van Wezel, Dean of the Faculty of Geosciences at Utrecht University.

Tirza van Daalen, Director of TNO’s Geological Survey of the Netherlands: “By pooling our scientific knowledge and research capabilities, we can develop new insights more quickly and translate them into solutions that make a real difference in practice.”

About the organisations

The Faculty of Geosciences at Utrecht University conducts education and research on the Earth and the transition to a sustainable world, from the local to the global scale.

TNO’s Geological Survey of the Netherlands is the independent research institute that makes knowledge of the subsurface understandable and applicable to societal decisions.