GTK Policy Brief: Geosciences Provide a Solid Foundation for the Energy Transition
The shift in energy production infrastructure towards clean energy requires action across multiple sectors. Geological research is playing a critical role in the transition by enabling the use of geothermal energy, identifying new sources of clean and sustainable fuel such as natural hydrogen, and ensuring required infrastructure such as new power plants, underground energy storage, and safe nuclear waste disposal sites are built on solid foundations.
With its decades of experience, Finland is a leader in the field when it comes to utilising the sub-surface to support the energy industry. Geological understanding plays a key role in the optimisation of resource use and leveraging of the underground for various purposes.
GTK’s activities support the energy transition by focusing on:
- Geothermal energy and gas exploration
- Underground energy storage
- The siting and safety of nuclear power plants and radioactive waste disposal
- Energy infrastructure planning and development
- The availability and circular economy of critical raw materials (see individual Policy Briefs)
A key challenge is acquiring detailed knowledge of the sub-surface, often to depths of kilometres. From the shallow surface layers to deeper bedrock, properties such as fracturing, groundwater flow and temperature variation can be complex and difficult to interpret. Finland’s ancient and heterogenous bedrock makes investigations even more complex.
The activities mentioned above rely on continuous development of our understanding of sub-surface properties through the study of geological formations, rock types, sediments and groundwater, and involve building multidisciplinary conceptual models of the sub-surface that can be used to assess the feasibility of new energy infrastructure projects or optimise existing structures.
Enhance geoscientific expertise
Strengthen research and expertise in critical areas like geothermal energy and underground storage, ensuring Finland remains a leader in sustainable energy solutions.
Support innovative energy storage solutions
Focus on the development of underground energy storage methods, particularly for heat and hydrogen, to ensure a stable energy supply.
Invest in advanced geological assessments
Develop and deploy cutting-edge techniques for geological site surveys, particularly for energy projects that require high safety standards.
Invest in gas exploration methodologies, mapping and potential modelling
Systematic surveys and mapping are critical to understand Finland’s natural hydrogen potential.
Support safety and feasibility in nuclear waste management
Continue to advance geological research to ensure long-term safety, improve our understanding and optimise nuclear waste disposal.
Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing
Encourage partnerships between research institutions, industry and government to drive innovation and share knowledge of sub-surface geology applications.
Account for diverse societal interests in sub-surface investigation
The growing societal interest in sub-sur face exploration spans significant depths, from the near-surface environment down to several kilometres deep in the bedrock. Such investigations are linked to and support a range of resource extraction practices – of minerals, groundwater, and energy – with potential for both synergies (for example groundwater energy use) and conflicts between uses (for example waste storage vs. commodity extraction).
The policy brief enables science based decision making. We are happy to discuss further.
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GTK´s Policy Briefs
GTK’s policy briefs are concise presentations based on science, compiling the latest research information in a suitable format for decision-makers and experts.
Energy Transition
Overconsumption of natural resources is guiding humanity towards a clean energy transition. The focus of our research is on low-carbon energy research and investment promotion.
