How the Geological Service for Europe is building a sustainable future from the ground up

The subsurface offers vital resources essential to both European industry and society. As industrial sectors across Europe strive towards decarbonisation, they lean heavily on the wealth of resources lying beneath our feet. With careful management, these resources can play a crucial role in reducing our continent’s carbon footprint.

Tackling subsurface challenges on a transnational and continental scale requires a broad, cross-border approach. The Geological Service for Europe (GSEU) project, funded by Horizon Europe Energy, provides the comprehensive solution needed to meet this challenge. 

A unified effort for a shared resource

The GSEU project underlines the indispensable value of collaboration, uniting 49 partners from 36 countries. Central to GSEU is the development of pan-European harmonised data and information services in Europe focused on: 

• Critical raw materials (CRM);
• Geothermal energy resources and subsurface storage capacities;
• Groundwater dynamics and quality.

Expanding data infrastructure for innovation 

To enhance access and foster collaboration, the project plans to develop a comprehensive geological data infrastructure, building on the existing European Geological Data Infrastructure (EGDI). 

This will ensure continuous access to and distribution of data and information services generated by the project and beyond, targeting a diverse array of stakeholders. The primary goal is to stimulate further innovation and strengthen the market uptake of innovative solutions. 

Marking the journey so far

Since its launch in 2022, GSEU has reached several important milestones that reflect steady progress and tangible impact. 

Elevating resource management to meet global standards 

Among the key achievements was the launch of the European International Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Resource Management. It operates as a network of partners and experts to promote and build capacity for the United Nations Framework Classification (UNFC) and to support the United Nations Resource Management System (UNRMS), which is aligned with the sustainable development goals (SDGs) of the United Nations 2030 Agenda. 

The centre offers support to stakeholders across various levels, including the EU, national and regional governments, policymakers, geological survey organisations and industry. This support aligns with the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Climate Agreement. Additionally, it provides crucial support for data reporting requirements as defined by the Critical Raw Materials Act, bolstering Europe's supply chain resilience effectively.

From data to decisions: How the GeoEnergy Atlas will support Europe’s energy goals

Another major landmark was the launch of the GeoEnergy Atlas, providing a powerful tool for visualising Europe's CO₂ storage and deep geothermal opportunities. It offers harmonised and standardised data on CO₂ storage potential, as well as deep and shallow geothermal and hydrogen underground storage across 30 countries. 

The atlas will serve as a key resource for policymakers, researchers and industry stakeholders, facilitating (geo)informed decision-making in various subsurface related activities. For example, by utilising Storage Readiness Levels (SRL) as a maturity indicator for carbon capture and storage (CCS), the atlas ensures consistency between national and European datasets while integrating new research.

From subsurface to society 

Integral to the GSEU project is the forthcoming second edition of the Minerals in Your Life book, which is set to be published online this summer. It traces the journey of minerals from the depths of Earth's subsurface to their critical roles in our daily lives, highlighting Europe’s urgent need for sustainable mineral sourcing.  

“It’s really important the community at large knows why geology is relevant and how it affects their lives in so many different ways. If we don’t have that understanding and level of engagement within the broader community, then it’s much harder to implement, for example, important policies.”

- Julie Hollis, Secretary-General of EuroGeoSurveys, on the forthcoming second edition of the Minerals in Your Life book 

Moreover, the Critical Raw Materials book provides a comprehensive overview of the distribution and mineral potential of CRM across Europe. 

Embracing a vision for tomorrow

As Europe stands at the crossroads of innovation and sustainability, the GSEU project emerges as a beacon of collaboration and progress. In the coming years, the GSEU will continue to address subsurface challenges while paving the way for a more resilient and resource-efficient future. Through its comprehensive approach to resource management, stakeholder engagement and technological advancement, GSEU is poised to significantly contribute to Europe's journey towards decarbonisation and sustainable development.