Research into the mutual potential impact of shallow subsurface activities and deeper tectonic processes

Funding from the NWO Open Technology Programme

Can subsurface activities influence deeper natural tectonic processes, and vice versa? Seismically sensitive areas are increasingly being used for geothermal energy and other subsurface activities, but often remain underutilised due to uncertainty and potential seismic risks. By integrating geological, geophysical and seismological data with advanced models, a project led by earth scientist Prof. Jan-Diederik van Wees is investigating how shallow anthropogenic (human-induced) stresses from underground activities can influence deeper natural tectonic processes, and vice versa. This project, named TANDEM (Tectonic and ANthropogenic - Dual-source Earthquakes and Mechanics), receives funding of € 800.000 from the NWO Open Technology Programme.

The TANDEM project supports the energy transition by helping to quantify the risks of induced seismic activity in intraplate tectonic regions with moderate natural seismic activity. The main case study for this research is the Roer Valley Graben. The potential for the use of geothermal energy is currently being investigated in this area.

Schematische weergave van de onderzoekstechnieken bij dit project en de logo's van de deelnemende partners

Open Technology Programme

The Open Technology Programme provides funding for application-oriented technical and scientific research that is free and unrestricted, and not hindered by disciplinary boundaries. The programme offers companies and other organisations an accessible way to engage with scientific research designed to deliver societal and/or scientific impact.

Five other promising research projects have also been selected within the programme. With these awards, NWO is stimulating the development of new technologies that offer solutions to a wide range of societal and scientific issues. The funded projects combine scientific excellence with tangible impact. Thanks to this funding, leading scientists are given the scope to turn their ideas into solutions that contribute to addressing various societal challenges.

Co-applicants for the TANDEM project are Prof. R.T. van Balen (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam), Prof. R.H. Harrington (Bochum University of Applied Sciences), Dr J.P. Ampuero (Université Côte d'Azur) and Dr E. Willingshofer (Utrecht University, Faculty of Geoscience).