Shell Geothermal BV and the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands have received an exploration permit to explore the option of utilising geothermal energy for heating purposes.
Research into the geothermal port of Rotterdam is entering the next phase, as reported by the Port of Rotterdam Authority.
Shell Geothermal BV and the Port of Rotterdam Authority are jointly investigating the options for geothermal energy in the western part of the port of Rotterdam. The two companies have received an exploration permit from the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
In recent years, the subsurface has been well mapped out, partly as part of the UDG green deal. Obtaining the exploration permit means that Shell and the Port Authority will have time in the coming years to further develop their plan with the aim of developing geothermal heat projects in the western part of the port. Over the next two years, the emphasis will be on making agreements with potential geothermal energy buyers, working out the costs, determining a possible location for a test drilling and figuring out what the infrastructure can look like. It is also essential that geothermal heat can compete with energy from other sources. For the time being, doing a (test) drilling is not yet an issue.
The Rotterdam industry uses a lot of energy. If geothermal heat can be brought up in the form of hot water, it can be a good sustainable energy source, in particular for the production of steam for industry. In addition, the water, somewhat cooled after it has been used by industry, can be used for heating homes and greenhouses via a regional heat network.
Shell and the Port Authority will involve EBN (Energie Beheer Nederland) in the elaboration of the plans.
