Explore geoscience solutions to the energy transition, with a particular focus on deep groundwater: exploration, characterization and optimization of crustal reservoirs, risk management and of public perceptions.
Important information
Summary
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Ambitions
The ITI Geosciences for the Energy Systems Transition: Exploiting Deep Groundwater (ITI GeoT) introduces an innovative, transversal, and structured response to the current scientific, societal, economic, and environmental challenges facing the use of the geosciences in the energy systems transition.
This multi-disciplinary initiative includes a demanding and international Master and doctoral training program backed by advanced, interdisciplinary research conducted in partnership with leading industrial, political, and public stakeholders to address an innovative topic: the role of deep groundwater as a key tool in the energy system transition.
Thematics and research challenges
Making deep geothermal energy exploitation a major contributor to the energy sector by:
- Developing innovative geological models of deep fractured continental reservoirs, particularly in Europe; and
- Improving the economic viability and profitability of deep groundwater reservoirs through co-production of resources, including lithium, hydrogen, heat, and storage.
Improving the way we explore for and characterize crustal fluid reservoirs by:
- Using “low-cost” emerging geophysical imaging techniques to reduce the cost of exploration; and
- Deepening our understanding of rock-fluid interactions in deep reservoirs to improve anthropogenic stimulation and anticipate long-term reservoir deformation.
Optimizing how we exploit deep groundwater resources by:
- Developing robust, on-site workflows that integrate real-time energy production data and seismic risk monitoring; and
- Engineering production pumps for high temperature and exposure to corrosive fluids and scaling precipitates.
Improving how we manage risk by:
- Improving monitoring of aseismic deformation in the reservoir and the nucleation of seismic events;
- Developing geomechanical reservoir models that use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to better calibrate Traffic-light alert systems (TLS);
- Establishing expert consulting groups that include industrial operators and public institutions; and
- Producing best practice guides.
Enhancing public engagement and perception by:
- Better understanding the role of socio-technological interactions in the public perception of geo-energy projects involving deep groundwater;
- Tracking the evolution of media coverage of energy projects; and
- Quantifying the impact of the emerging “citizen science” initiatives.
Graduate program
In a world seeking to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energies, it is more critical than ever to train the next generation of scientists and industry leaders to harness georesources for a decarbonized future. Through a comprehensive curriculum of discipline-focused courses, fields schools, and intensive research internships, and by relying on professional (academic and industry) speakers, the main objectives of this program are:
- To develop a holistic understanding of the diverse interconnections that exist between geoscience research and industry;
- To help students develop initiative and autonomy in the design and execution of multidisciplinary projects;
- To expose students to work in a research and development framework;
- To introduce students to a large network of professionals, preparing them for a wide range of postgraduate careers, including academic research.
The GeoT specialization offers:
- Lecture-based learning;
- Hands-on practical classes and tutorials;
- On the ground geological and industrial field schools;
- Participation in the international conferences; and
- Intensive and independent research internships on cutting-edge renewable georesource topics.
The first year of the GeoT specialization is dedicated to mastering scientific and technical basics in geosciences. It includes a geological field school showcasing crustal reservoirs in nature and an international seminar series. Students will be introduced to the scientific method through part-time research internships.
The second year delves more deeply into emerging fields including renewable georesources, big data and artificial intelligence, and the position and perception of these technologies in society. 70% of the second year is dedicated to intensive research internships and a capstone field school applying the skillset learnt through coursework to an active geothermal site. Research and development internships in a professional environment are possible.
geosciences (geophysics, geology, geochemistry, geomechanics) - engineering (mechanical engineering / civil engineering) - data management / big data / artificial intelligence / computer science - social sciences - information and communication studies
Students of the Geosciences for the Energy Systems Transition (GeoT) specialization will learn to:
- Observe, characterize, and quantify the physical properties of the subsurface using different geophysical tools, at different scales;
- Process and analyze various digital signals in a geographic information system;
- Understand, design, and implement mathematical models simulating physical processes;
- Identify, analyze, and understand questions of social perception of the georesource sector;
- Design, execute, and defend of scientific studies;
- Write and present for an academic and professional audience.
Admission criteria
- Master 1: Pre-requisites for admission to the 1st year of the Master program: an undergraduate degree in Earth Sciences, physics or equivalent degree (180 European credits)
- Master 2: Pre-requisites for admission to the 2nd year of the Master program: a Master degree in Earth sciences, physics, or an equivalent degree.
- PhD: An Earth, planetary, and environmental sciences Master degree, with GeoT specialization, from the University of Strasbourg, a Master of Science with a specialization in geophysics or physics, or equivalent degree
Application process
- Master: Admission is based on evaluation of applications. Please contact contact-scolarite@eost.unistra.fr for more information.
- PhD: Admission is based on evaluation of applications and an in-person interview. Please contact Miguel Monlouis (monlouis@unistra.fr) for more information.
Master
GeoT Master coordinators: Florence Beck and Patrick Baud
For more information about the GeoT Master specialization please contact: contact-scolarite@eost.unistra.fr
- EU applicants can apply through: https://ecandidat.unistra.fr
- International applicants can apply through: "Etudes en France"
PhD
GeoT-affiliated PhD projects are administered by the Earth and Environment Sciences doctoral school (ED413).
For more information, please contact :
Miguel Monlouis
monlouis@unistra.fr
Involved entities
Laboratories
- École et Observatoire des sciences de la Terre | EOST
- Observatoire des sciences de l'Univers | OSU
- Institut de physique du globe de Strasbourg | IPGS (UMR 7516 CNRS-Université de Strasbourg)
- Laboratoire d’hydrologie et de géochimie de Strasbourg | LHyGES (UMR 7517 CNRS-Université de Strasbourg)
- Laboratoire des sciences de l'ingénieur, de l'informatique et de l'imagerie | ICube (UMR 7357 CNRS-Université de Strasbourg-Engees-Insa Strasbourg)
- Laboratoire Interuniversitaire des Sciences de l’Éducation et de la Communication | Lisec (UR 2310)
- Sociétés, Acteurs, Gouvernement en Europe | Sage (UMR 7363 CNRS-Université de Strasbourg)
Faculties, school, institutes
- École et observatoire des sciences de la terre | EOST
Doctoral schools
- Sciences de la terre et l'environnement | ED 413
Instruments des Plans Investissement d’Avenir (PIA)
- LabEx G-eau-thermie Profonde
Academic, associative or private partners
- Academics: Centre de recherche sur les médiations | CREM (EA 3476, Université de Lorraine), Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT), IFP School
Coordinators
Contact information
Jean Schmittbuhl
École et observatoire des sciences de la terre | EOST
jean.schmittbuhl@unistra.fr
Patrick Baud
École et observatoire des sciences de la terre | EOST
patrick.baud@unistra.fr
