Call: Measuring, monitoring and controlling the risks of CCS, EGS and unconventional hydrocarbons in the subsurface

• Reducing energy consumption and carbon footprint
• Low-cost, low-carbon electricity supply
• Alternative fuels and mobile energy sources
• A single, smart European electricity grid
• New knowledge and technologies
• Robust decision making and public engagement
• Market uptake of energy and ICT innovation.

Carbon capture and storage (CCS), enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) and unconventional gas development impact on the subsurface. Subsequently, advanced and cost effective monitoring of the containment of underground CO2 and natural gas is vital for the sustainable management of the subsurface and its resources.

Research is needed to better understand and quantify possible (natural and engineered) leakage pathways for natural gas, the rates of leakage into aquifers and escape at surface, the impacts that leakage can have on fresh groundwater resources, soil and biodiversity, and the time frame in which emissions will return to baseline values. In addition, the effective detection and quantification of leakage requires a scientifically robust method for determining natural background concentrations of CO2 and natural gas in the soil and at the surface.

Uniform, unbiased and independent data are needed to improve environmental stewardship in all three aforementioned geo-energy applications.

At least three legal entities. Each of the three must be established in a different EU Member State or Horizon 2020 associated country. All three legal entities must be independent of each other.

Industry participation is strongly encouraged to facilitate access to existing sites and data, and to allow extending the operating period of the research infrastructure beyond the project duration.

Suggested budget: 5-10 million € (This does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts.)

EU funding rate: max. 100%.

Electronic application here. 

Link to the National Contact Point Finder.