In Milheeze (municipality of Gemert-Bakel), the last research drilling for geothermal energy in the province of North Brabant has started. The series of research drillings provides valuable information about the layers of earth underground in our province and about the possibilities of geothermal energy.
Since April 2024, Energie Beheer Nederland has completed three research drillings in Brabant with the SCAN program. The drilling in Milheeze is the fourth and last in the series. With the drillings, SCAN investigates, in combination with other research, where geothermal energy is possible.
Preparation of research drilling
Before a research drilling can start, the province of North Brabant provides advice on the choice of a drilling location from the perspective of the environment, but also cultural history, space, and nature. We look for a location where the suitability of the underground and the possibilities above ground come together. The location must be large enough, accessible for heavy traffic, and preferably located where few people live nearby. We also look at the possible effects of the drilling on the environment. Is there not too much noise nuisance or vibrations? The province advises which environmental measures must be taken so that people, animals, and nature in the area experience as little inconvenience as possible from the drilling. Think of measures such as limiting light and noise nuisance, properly sealing the well, and restoring the drilling location to its original state.
What is geothermal energy?
Deep in the earth it is warm. The deeper, the warmer. At a depth of 1.5 to 2 kilometers, there is warm water with temperatures between 55 and 70 °C. If this water is in permeable earth layers, it can be pumped up. Above ground, the heat from this water is used to heat houses and commercial buildings. The cooled water is then returned underground, where it naturally warms up again. Thus, geothermal energy, also known as geothermy, is a sustainable energy source independent of wind and sun. In the Netherlands, geothermal energy is already used for heating greenhouses.
Earth layers
The drilling can determine the temperature, exact depth, thickness, and permeability of the earth layers. The province maps the earth layers in so-called underground models. The research drillings help to improve these underground models. With the models, we look at how we can use the underground safely and sustainably, for example for soil energy, drinking water, or geothermal energy. The models also provide a lot of information for other programs of the province, such as Energy and Water.
