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Weak Soils, Active Faults, and the Inheritance of Groningen Induced Seismicity: How to Proceed With Safe Use of the Subsurface for the Energy Transition in the Netherlands?

Description: 

The Netherlands is known for its induced seismicity by gas exploration in the Groningen field. The earthquakes are unique for their high ground motions at relatively low magnitudes (M_L≤3,6). This is partly due to local site amplification by unconsolidated surface geology, which is common throughout the country. Consequently, buildings in the region sustained structural and non-structural damage. Along with slow progress of building reinforcements, implemented to mitigate the increased seismic risk, this led to cessation of Groningen gas production in 2023. Currently, the Netherlands is moving to a renewable energy market. This requires considerate, safe use of the subsurface e.g. for geothermal heat production and storage of hydrogen and carbon dioxide in salt caverns or former gas reservoirs. Such a transition also impacts areas that may not have experienced subsurface activities yet. This is challenging for two reasons: citizens worry they will be faced with a ‘second Groningen’ – reflecting a potential loss of the social license to operate – and there is less knowledge of the subsurface.

To add to the complexity is the natural seismic hazard: the southeastern Netherlands contains the Ruhr Valley Graben, an active, slowly deforming rift system. The largest instrumental earthquake here was the 1992 M_L=5,8 Roermond event. However, recurrence intervals are long and not all faults – and their reactivation potentials – are known. Nevertheless, local events have also been linked to geothermal heat production and to post-coal mining groundwater ingress. State Supervision of Mines, the Dutch authority for mining safety, aims to understand risks of induced seismicity, within the local tectonic context and also beyond the area impacted by Groningen gas exploration. To do so, research must be done simultaneously with the development of renewable energy sources and storage sites. How does one ensure the safety of people and protection of the environment during this transition while accounting for the many subsurface uncertainties? What research should be prioritized, what (pragmatic) choices can and/or need to be made?

Session: Seismic Monitoring, Modelling and Management Needed for Geothermal Energy and Geologic Carbon Storage [Poster Session]

Type: Poster

Date: 5/2/2024

Presentation Time: 08:00 AM (local time)

Presenting Author: Jorien

Student Presenter: No

Invited Presentation: 

Authors