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Shell and Rotterdam port authority to explore use of geothermal energy

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The Port of Rotterdam Authority and Shell Geothermal BV will start exploring the possibilities of harnessing geothermal energy to generate power in the western section of Rotterdam port.

The port authority said the subsurface has been mapped out thoroughly in recent years as part of the Ultra-Deep Geothermal Energy (UDG) green deal.

The two companies have received an exploration permit from the Netherlands ministry of economic affairs.

“Obtaining the exploration permit means that Shell and the port authority will have time in the coming years to further detail their plans, with the aim of developing geothermal energy projects in the port’s western section,” Port of Rotterdam Authority stated.

“The focus in the course of the coming two years will be on making agreements with potential geothermal energy purchasers, detailing the costs, determining a potential location for test drilling and an investigation into how the infrastructure could look,” it said.

The port authority added that test and other drillings are not required at this point.

“If geothermal heat can be brought to the surface as hot water, it can serve as a good renewable source of energy, particularly for the production of steam for industry. Moreover, once slightly cooled following use by industry, the water can be used to heat homes and greenhouses via a regional heat network,” the port authority explained.

Shell and the port authority will involve Energy Beheer Nederland (EBN) in the detailing of the plans.