Projects

Geothermal exploration using Non-invasive Advanced Techniques (GeoNAT)

Implementation period: 2026-01-01 - 2028-12-31

Type: International

Division: Division of Renewable Energy Sources

GeoNAT Project is an international research and development project aimed at the development and demonstration of a set of innovative, non-invasive geophysical methods based on the recording and analysis of seismic noise. The project applies two passive geophysical methods: NANT (Nodal Ambient Noise Tomography) and ANAT (Ambient Noise Tomography), which will be used for the characterization and modeling of deep geothermal reservoirs in carbonate formations. The applied methods enable the acquisition of high-resolution images of subsurface structures to depths exceeding 4 km, without the need for active seismic sources. As a result, this approach is particularly well suited to urbanized areas, environmentally protected zones, or regions that are difficult to access with heavy seismic equipment, while significantly reducing exploration costs.

The research will be carried out in the Chochołów area (Western Carpathians, southern Poland), where geothermal resources have been actively utilized since 2016.

Project Objectives

• To validate the applicability of the NANT and ANAT methods for the exploration of deep geothermal structures (>4 km) in carbonate rocks.
• To develop a high-resolution structural model of the geothermal reservoir in the Chochołów area.
• To reduce the risk of unsuccessful siting of new geothermal wells.
• To develop a transferable workflow for the exploration of areas with similar geological conditions.

Expected results

• development and testing of innovative, non-invasive geophysical methods based on seismic noise analysis (NANT and ANAT) under conditions of deep and complex geological structures
• acquisition of new knowledge on the structure and properties of deep geothermal reservoirs within carbonate formation
• reduction of geological risk at the stage of planning and implementation of geothermal drilling
• development of a practical workflow applicable to other geothermal areas in Poland and Europe
• support for geothermal operators, investors, and decision-makers in decision-making processes related to the development of low-emission energy sources

Project Consortium: MEERI PAS (Project Leader), Invert SA (Swiss Partner), Termy Chochołowskie Sp. z o.o. (Polish Partner)

Total Project Value: PLN 4,534,637.40 (Grant Funding: PLN 3,947,144.85)

The GeoNAT project is implemented under the Swiss-Polish Cooperation Programme.

The project is funded by the Swiss Contribution to reducing economic and social disparities within the European Union and by the State Budget through the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR).

Project Manager: Dr Eng. Magdalena Tyszer (mtyszer@meeri.pl)

More information about the project: www.geonatproject.pl