Ensuring safe growth of the geothermal energy sector in the Netherlands by proactively addressing risks and hazards

  • Graciela Jharap Staatstoezicht op de Mijnen (SodM), Henri Faasdreef 312, 2492 JP, s-Gravenhage, the Netherlands https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9253-6758
  • Laura P. van Leeuwen Staatstoezicht op de Mijnen (SodM), Henri Faasdreef 312, 2492 JP, s-Gravenhage, the Netherlands
  • Robert Mout Staatstoezicht op de Mijnen (SodM), Henri Faasdreef 312, 2492 JP, s-Gravenhage, the Netherlands
  • Wouter E. van der Zee Staatstoezicht op de Mijnen (SodM), Henri Faasdreef 312, 2492 JP, s-Gravenhage, the Netherlands
  • Femke M. Roos Staatstoezicht op de Mijnen (SodM), Henri Faasdreef 312, 2492 JP, s-Gravenhage, the Netherlands
  • Annemarie G. Muntendam-Bos Staatstoezicht op de Mijnen (SodM), Henri Faasdreef 312, 2492 JP, s-Gravenhage, the Netherlands
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/njg.2020.3
Keywords: geothermal energy, safety, environment, supervision

Abstract

The main objective of this paper is to give an overview of the risks seen in the exploration and production of geothermal energy from the viewpoint of the regulator. The risks are categorised as conventional risks, ultra-deep risks and enhancing factors. These risks are similar to those seen in the oil and gas industry, but the maturity of the geothermal sector in terms of managing such risks is much lower.

Another objective of this paper is to discuss how these risks are managed and mitigated by the sector and the supervisor, State Supervision of Mines (SodM). Portfolio operators developing multiple projects, using skilled employees and embracing continuous improvement are seen as the way forward for the sector to grow safely and sustainably.

This paper concludes that positive developments have started, but a lot of work still needs to be done to ensure safe growth of the geothermal energy sector.

Published
2020-06-02
How to Cite
Jharap , G., van Leeuwen , L. P., Mout , R., van der Zee , W. E., Roos , F. M., & Muntendam-Bos , A. G. (2020). Ensuring safe growth of the geothermal energy sector in the Netherlands by proactively addressing risks and hazards. Netherlands Journal of Geosciences. https://doi.org/10.1017/njg.2020.3
Issue
Volume 99 - 2020
Section
Regular paper
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