Deep Geothermal: Turning Uncertainty into Better Development Decisions

Drilling several kilometres beneath the surface is never only a technical challenge. It is also a decision challenge.

Deep geothermal projects are developed with incomplete information. Geological conditions cannot be observed directly, drilling is expensive, and uncertainty around reservoir behaviour can influence whether a project moves forward, requires further investigation, or needs to be reconsidered.

This is precisely why the Horizon Europe call HORIZON-CL5-2026-11-D3-06 – Resource assessment for deep sedimentary and basement reservoirs is so timely. The call focuses on improving how deep geothermal resources are assessed across challenging geological settings, particularly where data are limited and development decisions carry significant technical and financial consequences.

Against this background, Eagle Synergy Network is developing GeoRIQ – Geothermal Risk Intelligence and Quantification, a Horizon Europe project concept focused on improving how uncertainty is incorporated into deep geothermal resource assessment and development planning.

GeoRIQ is being shaped as a decision-oriented framework that connects subsurface understanding, modelling, monitoring and risk assessment with the practical realities of geothermal development. The objective is not simply to generate more information, but to support clearer and more defensible decisions when the subsurface remains uncertain.

The project is intended to address both deep sedimentary and basement resources and to remain applicable across sites with different geological conditions and different levels of available evidence. Environmental safeguards, induced seismicity, groundwater protection and societal considerations are also being integrated into the project architecture in line with the broader expectations of the Horizon Europe call.

GeoRIQ is currently being shaped for the Horizon Europe HORIZON-CL5-2026-11-D3-06 call, with the consortium architecture being developed around deep geothermal resource assessment, validation and decision support.
We are open to selected discussions with prospective consortium participants whose expertise, technologies, data or geothermal assets could add clear value to the project.
If your organisation sees a strong fit with the topic and the direction of GeoRIQ, we would be pleased to explore a potential role in the consortium.