Project description
Synthetic DNA as a tracer to map underground reservoir networks
Underground reservoirs form extensive and branched networks. Understanding these networks enables more sustainable oil extraction, avoiding unnecessary well drilling, and makes renewable geothermal energy accessible in locations other than volcanic areas. Different kinds of tracers represent valuable tools to map these reservoirs. Norway-based company Well Genetics has developed a synthetic tracer composed of short synthetic DNA sequences encapsulated within polymer coatings, allowing billions of unique combinations. These tracers are non-toxic for the environment and the operators, and can be detected at very low levels, representing the most cost-effective tracer on the market. The EU-funded WELLGENETICS project aims to perform a feasibility study and establish the conditions of the field trials.
Objective
Well Genetics was founded in 2012 in Norway by a joint team of pioneers in the use of DNA as industrial tracer and specialists with over 25 year’s track of record in monitoring of underground reservoirs. Well Genetics’ DNA tracers are composed of synthetic DNA sequences encapsulated within polymer coatings. These tracers travel along underground reservoirs and fractures and enable operators to map subsurface water and oil flows. With our tracers, we mimic nature’s craftiness to store information. We can deliver billions of unique DNA tracer combinations with a detection limit that is thousands of times less than for currently used tracers, at a 50% cost reduction of an average tracer job.
Given that in underground environments, information is key to trigger millionaire investments, our DNA tracers represent a strategic value for the exploration and production of oil and geothermal energy industries, with potential benefits for our customers in the million euros range.
Moreover, we contribute to the sustainability of the energy mix. The understanding of underground flows enables more sustainable oil extraction avoiding additional wells and, makes renewable geothermal energy production feasible in locations other than limited volcanic areas. In fact, the future of geothermal energy lies in take advantage of the heat stored in the subterranean rock layers of the Earth, the information conveyed by our DNA tracers critical to tap into this clean, cheap, constant and abundant renewable energy source.
Third parties have tested the DNA tracers to ensure they are resilient enough to withstand high temperatures and conditions of reservoirs and we have received high interest from the industry. Now, successful commercialization requires demonstrated field results. Through the feasibility study phase, we will establish the conditions of the first field trial, that will trigger sales of the product.
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 biological sciences genetics DNA
- natural sciences physical sciences classical mechanics fluid mechanics fluid dynamics
- engineering and technology materials engineering coating and films
- natural sciences earth and related environmental sciences environmental sciences pollution
- engineering and technology environmental engineering energy and fuels renewable energy geothermal energy
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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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H2020-EU.2.3. - INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Innovation In SMEs
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.3. - PRIORITY 'Societal challenges
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H2020-EU.2.1. - INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies
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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.
SME-1 - SME instrument phase 1
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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) H2020-EIC-SMEInst-2018-2020
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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.
0250 OSLO
Norway
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
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.