Innovate subsurface technologies for the energy transition

The energy transition is a global challenge and an opportunity for energy companies. Look below the surface. The opportunities for energy applications are endless. Tap into the latest innovations and transform existing ideas with the TNO RCSG-lab to technologies that can build a robust business case for sustainable energy projects.

Unlock next-generation geothermal solutions

New applications need technologies beyond the current toolset, particularly considering the anticipated growth of sustainable energy production. Effective maturation of these new technologies is one of the main challenges, as you cannot demonstrate innovations directly in a commercial environment. They require a clear development path, which is often time-consuming. Accelerating this pathway is therefore vital to bring these technologies to market.

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Open innovation test centre for energy technologies in the Netherlands

Our TNO Rijswijk Centre for Sustainable Geo-energy (RCSG) in the Netherlands is a unique open innovation lab for improving geo-energy technologies. We focus on developing technologies for geothermal, subsurface storage of CO2, hydrogen production, and heat storage.

Our facilities are available for large-scale testing and demonstration of new innovative drilling techniques, fluid dynamics, and material improvements under high pressure and temperature. We can mimic relevant subsurface conditions to study the behaviour of materials and tools under these conditions (elevated temperature, pressure, and load).

We develop and mature technological innovations for wells before they are fielded and marketed, reducing the financial risk of field testing and thereby maximising business opportunities for the technology at hand. With our research focus and applications at RCSG, we cover the complete tech-ready maturation process.

Webinar: Novel drilling technology to accelerate the heat transition

Want to know more about advanced drilling technology? Sign up for our webinar on 2 December 2024. Gain insights into two advanced technology developments and their pathways to market and learn how innovative drilling technologies can drive the heat transition forward.

Mark Wit

Alderman, municipality of Rijswijk

Knowledge

Research & development

RCSG is operated by TNO, the largest independent R&D organization of the Netherlands.

Innovation

Cooperation

RCSG cooperates with multiple partners from industry and academia to develop and mature well technology innovations before application in the field.

Innovation

RCSG cooperates with multiple partners from industry and academia to develop and mature well technology innovations before application in the field.

Open for business

For companies

TNO collaborates with companies to test new geo-energy technologies in a controlled lab environment, accelerating innovation and market introduction.

Open for business

TNO collaborates with companies to test new geo-energy technologies in a controlled lab environment, accelerating innovation and market introduction.

Safe and sustainable testing at full scale

We see new markets and opportunities to sustainable geo-energy. By developing innovative drilling technologies, we are driving down costs and making sustainable energy projects more viable for companies. Our full-scale experiments examine the interaction between wells and the surrounding rocks.

To ensure safe operations, we are exploring new materials for well sealing, like cement and grout testing under realistic conditions. For cost effectiveness and sustainability, we are investigating options to reuse existing infrastructure, turning old gas wells into geothermal sources or CO₂ storage sites. With advanced sensors and data acquisition tools, we meticulously monitor every step, guaranteeing safety and optimising performance.

Together with industry partners, we are taking concrete steps toward a greener future, making the energy transition not just possible but practical and sustainable.

Broad and deep knowledge available

With more than 1,100 colleagues working on the energy transition and over 100 years in subsurface expertise, TNO contributes to the interconnected relationship between energy, resources, economy, and society and an affordable and sustainable energy system.

Our deep understanding of the subsurface and energy transition guides the way. Our insights in technologies, materials and system integration enable governments and businesses to make informed decisions, seize new opportunities, and navigate the changing landscape. We activate our network of public and private partners throughout Europe to bring new and impactful technologies to life.

Virtual lab tour RCSG

Walk through the RCSG in the virtual tour and see the facilities.

Discover RCSG

Berend Potjer

deputy for energy, Province of South Holland

Facts & figures

1000

The high internal pressure equipment (HIPE) vessel is used for burst and collapse tests of tubing/pipes made of steel or other material. It has an operating pressure of 1000 bar, comparable to the pressure at the bottom of the Mariana Trench, the deepest (11.000m) point of the oceans.

387

The existing well at the facilities has a depth of 387m. There is a 360m long 20” casing installed, Grade X-56 with a burst pressure of 211 bar and a collapse pressure of 100 bar. This well is used for various experiments, usually through an installed casing (work string) up to 18” diameter (16.38” ID)

The indoor research well (18”) is 12 meters deep, which enables the placement of a full casing into the well for experiments. A wellhead can be placed on the well to perform experiments under pressure or with flow.

Geothermal drilling with ‘steel shot’ technique

The DEPLOI project aims to enhance safe, cost-effective geothermal production using advanced directional drilling technology.

View project

Experiences with the RCSG

''The Rijswijk Centre serves as a beacon of collaboration and research excellence and helps to develop technology that is directly applicable to the social and economic development of the Dutch subsurface. It brings industry leaders, academic experts, and policymakers together to accelerate the energy transition. Together, we are making significant contributions to the field of sustainable geo-energy, and I am confident that our efforts will have a lasting positive impact on both the environment and the energy sector.''

''The RCSG in Rijswijk plays an important role in the energy transition and functions as a research and innovation center that advances the use of the subsurface for heating applications. At RCSG, developments in drilling techniques, energy extraction and efficiency are pushing the boundaries of what geothermal energy (for example) can achieve. RCSG not only supports Rijswijk's journey towards energy independence, but also contributes to the bigger shift towards cleaner, more sustainable energy systems. As a municipality, we are proud that we can facilitate this facility. It contributes to regional economic ambitions aimed at strengthening innovative power and connecting knowledge and research. The RCSG is a valuable addition to the campus environment that we want to create in this part of Rijswijk.''

''We are proud to house the Rijswijk Centre for Sustainable Geo-energy (RCSG) in our province as research hub for innovative geo energy systems. We invite other parties to consider participation in this unique center for the development of new equipment, materials and methods for the heat transition. Geothermal systems are very promising, not only in South-Holland. In our province we have a high potential of big heat sources in combination with a concentrated heat demand in the Randstad and horticultural clusters. We are pleased with the potential boost that the RCSG can give to affordable heat supply, comfortable houses and economic prosperity.''

Let’s collaborate at TNO RCSG

We invite you to innovate with us and explore business opportunities within the growing energy demand. We help minimise risks, and are happy to design and develop future sustainable solutions with you.