PhD projects
The caprock integrity of potential hydrogen storage sites in the Netherlands will be assessed using experimental and numerical approaches. Different characterization methods including X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen gas adsorption (N2GA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) will be performed on siltstones or claystones to compare the differences in mineral compositions, pore structures and rock surface morphologies before and after hydrogen exposure. Furthermore, three-point bending (TPB) and nano-indentation experiments will also be conducted on rock samples to >>> read more.
Fluid extraction from geological formations for purposes of subsurface utilization (e.g. hydrocarbon production, hydrogen storage, geothermal energy production) leads to pore pressure drop in reservoirs. The weight of the rock layers above the reservoir is partially carried by both the reservoir pore pressure and by the reservoir rock itself. Therefore, if fluids are extracted from the subsurface, the reservoir will experience an increase in overburden load, which may lead to compression, hence compaction of the reservoir rock >>> read more.
Previous PhD projects
The Netherlands has a long tradition when it comes to sub-surface activities. One of the first reported activities was the mining of coal in the province of Limburg in the south of the Netherlands in 17 th century. In the 19 th century the mining of salt followed. The discovery of oil and natural gas in the 20 th century increased the activities in the sub-surface substantially. And now in the 21 st century mankind has found even more way of using the sub-surface. These new activities included >>> read more.
Subsurface storage of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) in depleted gas reservoir is one of the ways to mitigate the atmospheric CO 2 concentration. An important aspect of CO 2 storage is the purity of the CO 2 product: Depending on the source, a CO 2 product stream will contain contaminants (e.g. NO x , CO, SO x , H 2 S), which may cause unwanted effects during storage. Requirements for CO 2 purity will impact the degree of purification, and thereby the costs for CO 2 separation >>> read more.
T he Flexiheat project aims to link together producers and consumers of heat by establishing a thermal network. This “smart” network will involve three separate locations: Eemshaven, the city of Groningen and Wijster. In two of the locations (Eemshaven and Groningen) geothermal potential has been identified as interesting for possible production. An exploration licence has been granted to the Groningen municipality (E27), while the ones for Eemshaven (Eemsmond municipality & Holland Malt) have been submitted for review (E80 and E81) >>> read more.
It is well known that shallow subsurface lithology variations can strongly influence the degree of damage on buildings from earthquake shaking. Additionally, the seismic wave amplitudes increase when travelling towards the free surface and respond in a non-linear way when encountering soft sediments. For earthquake engineering purposes, site characterisation is key for seismic hazard analysis and risk mitigation but the properties in the subsurface are often a challenge to obtain. Over the last decades, increasing number of induced seismic events triggered the research on the lower magnitude earthquakes and site response in the Netherlands >>> read more.