Project description
Taking the guesswork out of geothermal energy
The Earth holds vast amounts of heat. Geothermal energy is everywhere beneath our feet. However, finding the exact spot to drill is a big challenge because the hidden networks of fractures and fluid pathways are difficult to map. The EU-funded VERNE project aims to change this by turning ‘ambient noise’ into a high-resolution map of the subsurface. Specifically, the project will measure how seismic waves fade as they travel. This will allow researchers to pinpoint fluid-rich zones in 3D. It is currently being tested in Italy and Switzerland. The overall goal is to make geothermal power a more predictable, cost-effective, and safe alternative for the energy grid.
Objective
The transition to clean energy has increased interest in geothermal resources from various geological environments like fractured rock, magmatic systems, and sedimentary basins. Ambient Noise Tomography (ANT) is a widely used geophysical exploration method that provides shear wave velocity models to reveal fractures in the subsurface. Recent advancements have enabled ANT to extract seismic attenuation data, which is particularly sensitive to fluid flow and is highly valuable in geothermal exploration. The VERNE project aims to advance geothermal exploration by developing innovative Ambient Noise Attenuation Tomography (ANAT) software. The project focuses on developing the ANAT software using Python and leveraging open-access libraries for signal processing and inversion. It will be designed to generate 3D attenuation models from ambient noise signal, providing detailed insights into subsurface structures. Following software development, the project will apply this methodology to existing seismic datasets to key geothermal areas in Aargau and Jura in Switzerland and Tuscany in Italy. These regions have been selected due to their high geothermal potential and the availability of extensive seismic data. The goal is to produce high-resolution 3D attenuation models that can identify critical features such as fractures and fluid presence, which are vital for assessing geothermal resources. Additionally, VERNE will explore ANAT's application to Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) technology. DAS transforms fiber-optic cables into dense seismic sensor arrays, offering the potential for unparalleled spatial resolution and coverage. By integrating ANAT with DAS data, the project aims to enhance the accuracy and depth of subsurface imaging, potentially revolutionizing geothermal exploration. VERNE contributes to clean energy and advanced geothermal exploration technologies by addressing critical challenges such as the need for cost-effective, high-resolution subsurface imaging.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences computer and information sciences software
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors
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Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-GF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
38600 SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE
Spain
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.