Next week it's finally time: the drilling process of Geothermal Delft will start after years of intensive preparation. Together with the partners and stakeholders, we celebrated this huge milestone yesterday during the 'Start drilling - spud event' at the drilling site.
Those present included all partners of GTD, alderman Maaike Zwart (Sustainability, Work & Income and Economy, Municipality of Delft), Jan-Dirk Jansen (Dean of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, TU Delft) and the 'founding fathers' of GTD , Andries Wever and Douglas Gilding. With the presence of more than 200 guests from, among others, the DAP symposium, it became clear that this was an important moment in the history of Geothermal Delft.
The event started with a number of inspiring speeches. Phil Vardon (Professor of Energy Geomechanics, TU Delft), shared his expertise about the scientific research that is being done for Geothermal Delft. Andries Wever and Douglas Gilding spoke proudly about the idea of producing geothermal energy on the TU Delft campus. Finally, Bas van Dun (director GTD, Aardyn) spoke about the next phase of the project and the importance of cooperation and trust in each other.
A special moment during the event was the placement of the Saint Barbara statue, a symbol of protection for the drilling project. Then, led by the board of the Mijnbouwkundige Vereeniging and Leendert-Jan Ursem (Drilling and Completions Manager, Aardyn), those present sang the traditional miners' song "Glück Auf" together to wish the project and everyone involved good luck. After the ceremony, there was an opportunity to network and guests could toast together.
All in all, it was a beautiful afternoon in which we reflected together on the progress we have made and the future of Geothermal Delft. Next Monday (26 June) the drilling process will officially start. We invite everyone to keep an eye on our website, where we will regularly post updates on progress and developments.
Official opening by (from left to right): Jan-Dirk Jansen (Dean of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, TU Delft)), Bas van Dun (director of GTD, Aardyn), Maaike Zwart (Alderman for Sustainability, Work & Income and Economy, Municipality of Delft ), Jeroen van Duin (managing director, Shell Geothermal), Marco Goense (Manager Heat Transition Asset Management, EBN) and Paul Althuis (director TU Delft Impact & Innovation Center).
Founding Fathers Andries Wever and Douglas Gilding
Bas van Dun
Phil Vardon
Singing of Glück Auf and placing Sint-Barbara Statue (Mijnbouwkundige Vereeniging and Leendert-Jan Ursem (Aardyn)
Guided tour drilling location
Networking opportunity
