The expected impacts of the CHPM2030 project are as follows:
Creating the scientific basis for the future development of “Combined heat, power and metal extraction” (CHPM) facilities where new concepts in electro-geochemistry and geological engineering will serve as background for a new generation of geothermal development in Europe.
Merging two, so far unconnected, technology areas (renewable energy and minerals extraction) will not only change the landscape for geothermal development in Europe, but could also have a substantial contribution in satisfying Europe’s needs for critical minerals.
Addressing the energy challenge by investigating novel technology pathways for geothermal energy and also by the expected improvement of the economic feasibility of geothermal investments.
Supporting other objectives of the EU Raw Materials Initiative (RMI) and its Strategic Implementation Plan beyond critical raw materials by providing an evidence and a prime example on the methodology by what 3D survey and assessment can provide input for local, regional and national decision makers in charge of development planning.
Supporting European efforts on the promotion of renewable energy sources, especially Directive 2009/28 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources and several EU recommendations and directives affecting the geothermal sector.
Improving the economic performance of the geothermal sector in Europe through the combined extraction of metallic raw materials and attracting increased private investments.
Increasing the number of potentially viable geothermal resources, not just in Europe, but all over the world, with the help of the co-production of valuable metals.
Investigating alternative pathways to hydraulic fracturing through the development of the “leaching” approach.
Supporting Europe 2020, the European Union’s growth strategy for the coming decade and its flagship initative for a “resource efficient Europe”, supporting the shift towards an energy-efficient, low carbon economy.
Increasing the attractiveness of geothermal technologies “by improving cost-competitiveness, reducing complexity and increasing reliability”, also leading to i.) “significantly increased technology performance”, ii.) “reducing life-cycle environmental impact” (especially when considering the environmental impact of current mining operations) and iii) improving EU energy security.
Connecting thousands of interested scientists, engineers, and decision-makers by establishing co-operative links to already running projects on critical raw materials, geothermal energy and other technology-driven projects.
Helping decision makers in Europe to frame strategic choices concerning future energy technologies and to integrate them in the future energy system through research roadmapping activity combined with economic feasibility modelling that will help the identification of critical pathways.
Improving innovation capacity and the integration of new knowledge.