About

DESTRESS demonstrates methods of enhanced geothermal systems (EGS). The aim is to expand knowledge and to provide solutions for a more economical, sustainable and environmentally responsible exploitation of underground heat. EGSs allow the enormous untapped potential of geothermal energy to be put to widespread use. DESTRESS will improve the understanding of technological, business and societal opportunities and risks related to geothermal energy. Existing and new project sites have been chosen to demonstrate the DESTRESS concept.

The concepts explored in DESTRESS are based on experiences in previous projects (e.g. GEISER) and on scientific progress and developments in other fields, mainly the oil and gas sector. Recently developed stimulation methods will be adapted to geothermal needs, applied to new geothermal sites and prepared for market uptake. The main focus is on stimulation treatments with minimised environmental hazard, which address site-specific geological requirements. The overall objective is to develop good practices for creating reservoirs with increased transmissivity, sustainable productivity and a minimised level of induced seismicity.

DESTRESS is a Horizon 2020-supported programme. It brings together an international consortium comprising major academic and research institutions and key industrial players from Europe and South Korea to ensure enhanced EGS-technology performance and accelerated market penetration.

Facts

Acronym DESTRESS
Title Demonstration of soft stimulation treatments of geothermal reservoirs
Call H2020-LCE-2015-2
Topic Low Carbon Energy, LCE-03-2015: Demonstration of renewable electricity and heating/cooling technologies (IA)
Grant Agreement Number No 691728
Duration 63 months, 01 March 2016 - 30 November 2020
Estimated Project Costs € 25 072 511.25
EU Contribution € 10 713 408.63
Project Lead GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences
Partners 16 European and East Asian research institutions, universities and industry representatives (large energy suppliers and SMEs)