Subsurface geothermal research by SCAN
By 2050, all homes in the Netherlands must be heated in an environmentally friendly way. One possibility is the use of geothermal heat. In order to determine whether this is possible, research must be done into the suitability of the subsurface, including in this region. That is why SCAN (Seismic Campaign Geothermal Netherlands) is conducting temporary seismic research from the first week of February 2025 in the outlying area of Milheeze, east of the road from Deurne to De Rips. Preparatory work for this survey will take place in the weeks before.
SCAN is conducting this research on behalf of the Ministry of Climate and Green Growth. The municipality of Gemert-Bakel has no role in this research.
Why geothermal research?
Deep in the subsoil of our earth, it is warm. This heat, from the bowels of the earth, heats the water present in the earth's strata. That water can be used to heat homes and offices. This is an environmentally friendly alternative to natural gas, as well as an alternative to solar panels and wind farms.
What is seismic surveying & what does it look like?
Seismic surveys image the subsurface, up to 6 km deep. The survey starts with work performed by surveyors (specialists in surveying). They do the preliminary work. Then an agricultural tractor, mounted with a small drilling rig, places seismic charges at depths of 10 to 40 meters. Geophones (ground microphones) are placed in the ground, at the earth's surface. Then seismic charges are ignited one by one. This sends sound waves into the subsurface and bounces them back onto the underlying layers of earth. The geophones then capture the reflected sound waves at the earth's surface.
The SCAN Seismic Survey
This video shows what the study entails.
What do you notice about this?
During the seismic survey, immediate residents may see some of the activities mentioned above. When the seismic charges are ignited, especially close to the survey, a dull thud can be heard or vibrations can be felt. Generally, it is barely audible or palpable. Sometimes vibrations may be stronger. This depends on the local ground layers.
When does the research take place?
The work takes place during the day, the ignition of the seismic charges can also take place in the evening hours (between 20:00 and 23:00). This is because then there is less ambient noise and the quieter the environment, the higher the quality of the survey. Sometimes the schedule is adjusted at the very last minute, for example due to weather conditions. No work is done on Saturdays and Sundays. Setting out the geophones or working with the agricultural tractor takes several parts of the day. Igniting the seismic charge in your immediate area takes less than an hour.
About SCAN
SCAN (Seismic Campaign Geothermal Netherlands) is funded by the Ministry of Climate and Green Growth. The implementation of SCAN is in the hands of EBN and TNO. Research into the deep subsurface is carried out in those parts of the Netherlands where little is known about the subsurface. For more information, visit the website and the everything about website.
Contact
Ask your questions at info@scanaardwarmte.nl. If you have specific questions related to the execution of the seismic survey or if you are experiencing disruption, please call 030 233 9013 24/7. Residents and businesses in the immediate area will receive a letter by mail from SCAN. The website will soon feature the locations of the seismic survey in this region and updates on the work.
