Skip to main content

Geothermal Frontier – Beta

This is an integrated knowledge and data sharing platform that aggregates global datasets on institutional research capacity and country-level geothermal profiles. It is designed to support cross-sector collaboration and the advancement of next-generation geothermal technologies. The platform facilitates access to structured data, technical insights, and networked expertise to accelerate the development of higher-enthalpy resources and drive cost-competitive deployment at scale.

ITC, University of Twente

EarthSafe

Institution Type: Academia

Institution Website

Enschede, The Netherlands

Contact

Juan Carlos Afonso
Associate Professor
j.c.afonso@utwente.nl

Areas of Expertise

  • Resource Characterization & Modeling
  • Drilling & Well Design
  • Monitoring & Instrumentation
  • Engineering & Power Generation

Resource Characterization & Modeling

This area focuses on identifying, assessing, and modeling geothermal resources to understand their size, temperature, and viability. It supports better decision-making by improving predictions of subsurface conditions and resource potential.

  • Exploration, Appraisal, Site Selection Active
  • Geophysical Modeling Active
  • Reservoir Modeling Planned
  • Coupled Process Modeling Active
  • Crustal Stress, Geomechanics/Rock Mechanics Active
  • Seismic Risk & Mitigation Planned
  • High-Performance Computing (HPC) for Coupled or Multiphysics Simulations Active
Geophysical-numerical subsurface imaging, geophysical-numerical physical state of the subsurface, and machine learning combined with geophysical-numerical simulations for temperature estimations of the subsurface
Max Temperature (°C) 600
Max Pressure (MPa) 1000
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously Yes
Geophysical-numerical inversion for large and mid-scale crustal permeability
Max Temperature (°C) 600
Max Pressure (MPa) 600
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously Yes

Drilling & Well Design

This area covers technologies and expertise needed to safely and efficiently access geothermal resources at depth. It includes innovations in drilling methods, materials, and well design and construction to reduce costs and effectively reach higher-enthalpy systems in more geologic regions.

  • Conventional Rotary Drilling Active
  • Hybrid Systems Active
  • Well Completion (Cements, Liners, Flow Control) Planned

Monitoring & Instrumentation

This area enables real-time measurement and analysis of geothermal systems through advanced sensors and data tools. It supports performance optimization, risk reduction, and improved understanding of subsurface behavior over time.

  • Fiber Optic Sensing Systems (DTS, DAS, DSS) Planned
  • Real-Time Telemetry & Data Acquisition Systems Active
  • Environmental Monitoring Active
  • Permanent Surface Passive Seismic Array Planned
Machine-learning combined with numerical simulations and inverse theory for real time monitoring
Max Temperature (°C) 500
Max Pressure (MPa) 300
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously Yes

Engineering & Power Generation

This area addresses the conversion of geothermal heat into usable energy through plant design and system integration. It includes advancements in power cycles, efficiency improvements, and technologies for reliable, cost-competitive electricity generation.

  • Surface Engineering (Piping, Turbines, Power Plant Components) Active
  • Power Production (Grid Connection/Integration) Planned
  • Heat Exchange & Thermal Management Technologies Active
  • Integration with Hydrogen or Thermal Energy Storage Systems Planned
Research laboratories for materials testing and development, battery technologies, hydrogen storage, rock physics
Max Temperature (°C) 400
Max Pressure (MPa) 250
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously Yes

No projects have been submitted

Please share your organization’s geothermal projects to inform and engage the broader geothermal community.

Submitting your projects will help raise awareness of your work, foster collaboration, and advance the field of geothermal energy.

You may submit multiple projects using the form below. All submissions will be published following administrative review.

Submit a project