| Title | Delft Subsurface Energy Laboratory – DSUEL: update on research efforts |
|---|---|
| Authors | Alexandros Daniilidis |
| Year | 2026 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | Heat production, HT-ATES, Fiber-optic monitoring, Digital twin, Delft Subsurface Energy Laboratory, |
| Abstract | The Delft Subsurface Energy Laboratory (DSUEL) comprises a geothermal doublet, a portable seismic monitoring array, and a vertical observation borehole to be drilled in the coming years. It also includes scientific monitoring components of a high-temperature aquifer thermal energy storage system (HT-ATES), set for installation in 2025/2026. Designed for both research and urban energy supply, DSUEL represents a world-class infrastructure. The geothermal wells, drilled in late 2023, are expected to be operational by 2026. A detailed research program accompanies the project, featuring diverse instruments, extensive logging and coring (including continuous and side-wall cores), and a broad monitoring network. Both wells have reservoir-section open-hole logs. Fiber optic cables will be installed in both the production and injection wellbores to enable continuous monitoring down to 2200 m (true vertical) depth. A local seismic network can detect low-magnitude natural or induced events. A vertical observation borehole, with electromagnetic and fiber-optic sensors, will track cold-front propagation between the injector and producer, and is currently in the design phase. The geothermal system is projected to supply 25 MW of thermal energy at peak. HT-ATES will serve as a seasonal buffer, with comprehensive instrumentation and temperature and acoustic monitoring. DSUEL is being integrated into the European Plate Observing System (EPOS) to ensure wide data accessibility and visibility as a national research asset. All data are incorporated into a digital-twin framework, supporting informed decisions for future geothermal projects. This paper outlines ongoing research progress. |