Optimization of Shallow Geothermal Energy Resources for Green Transition (OptiSGE)

Green transition entails a decarbonization of energy sector. It is accelerated by the rapid phaseout of Russian hydrocarbon sources. The push towards effective use of electric energy and renewable energy sources (RES) is significant. Shallow geothermal energy (SGE) is RES used for heating and cooling. SGE integrated in energy systems contributes to their effective use and provides thermal storage to even out the fluctuations in production and demand. Though in recent years SGE has been significantly developing, a massive buildout is expected in coming decade therefore development of SGE resources is subject to national strategies in NO and PL.

The OptiSGE project aims at enhancement of green transition by implementation of innovative methods in evaluation and use of SGE resources in support of economy and society in NO and PL. It endeavours to determine common issues in both countries and provides solutions with respect to expanding geothermal energy sector.

OptiSGE comprises 2 study visits, 1 in Norway (May 2023) and 1 in Poland (Sept 2023) with focus on geothermal projects of NORCE and PGI-NRI and site visits to the installations to enable exchange of knowledge and experience. Next key activity is capacity building through organisation of the knowledge sharing workshop on SGE optimization and best use (June 2023) focused on: a) analytic tools for SGE resources evaluation, b) integrated mapping of energy requirements and geologic expertise and knowledge into optimal system design, c) best practices of distributed temperature sensing (DTS) for monitoring, and d) systems for learning and portfolio management across institutions, involving the relevant stakeholders from both countries.

Pilot research (June-Oct 2023) will involve reference data collection using DTS, an innovatory technique applying the fiberoptics and interrogator to the time-dependent temperature monitoring in the boreholes. In PL the studies on such scale will be run for the first time ever. Results will provide data on thermal balance with time necessary to determine optimal SGE use. Data collection from the selected boreholes, mapping and knowledge spreading will enable scale up to occur. Above activities will lead to enhancement of mutual knowledge and capitalisation of project results (Oct 2023-Mar 2024) including the guidelines on DTS application. The selected project results will be drafted in an peer reviewed open access journal and made available for project stakeholders.