The project seeks to enhance the success rate of drilling operations in geothermal energy exploration, particularly in regions with limited data availability. This will be achieved by employing process-based predictive models to better inform drilling strategies. There are three stages to this project:

• Develop process-based models for stratigraphic, diagenetic and fracture forward modelling, that can be used to identify optimal drilling strategies.
• Calibrate the models in data-rich settings, e.g. outcrops analogues.
• Test the models in data-poor settings, e.g. newly developed subsurface prospects

Geothermal energy offers a sustainable and reliable energy source independent of weather conditions, but its growth in the EU is hindered by high technical and economic risks, reducing public support and investment.

The FindHeat project aims to address these challenges by developing a novel, model-based geothermal exploration workflow. This includes a modular toolkit platform featuring innovative, low-cost software and geophysical techniques. The platform will be tested across eight diverse geothermal sites to demonstrate faster, more cost-effective exploration, better use of existing data, and reduced uncertainty in heat source assessments.

GeoHEAT proposes a multi-scale approach to geothermal exploration :

Regional scale : A socio-techno-economic assessment integrates seismic risk, geothermal potential, and public acceptance to generate heat-credit-adjusted LCOE maps.

Reservoir scale : At selected sites, passive seismic and gravity surverys refine the geological model. A probabilistic framework incorporates local geological uncertainties, and geomechanical simulations assess fault stability to optimize borehole locations.

Borehole scale : High-resolution characterization is conducted using a novel geothermal-grade georadar probe, drill cuttings analyses (Digital Rock Physics), and seismic monitoring tools to create a 3D fracture network around the borehole and assess rock properties.

URGENT aims to decarbonise Europe’s heating sector by developing innovative, low-impact seismic exploration technologies and AI-driven analysis to optimise geothermal resource exploration in urban and sensitive industrial areas enhancing plant longevity and community acceptance.

The project will design and test low-impact tools at three sites improving the accuracy of underground mapping and reducing drilling risks. By using advanced tools like AI and machine learning, URGENT hopes to lower exploration costs, increase drilling success, and extend the life of geothermal plants while reducing seismic risk.