#GPS2021event

Program

Each day of the main event addresses a different aspect of geoscience-related subsurface use, management, planning, and policy.

Main event

Monday 7 June

GeoStar Challenge finals: Which geosites best represent the potential of the subsurface?

What exactly lies beneath the ground? The subsurface is built up by past and present geological processes, and it is a challenge to communicate its complexity to those involved in policy development and strategy. One way to access and understand these hidden processes is to look at their expressions reflected at the surface.

With this in mind, for the opening of GPS 2021 we invite you to think about the subsurface through sites of geological interest around the world – a beautiful outcrop, a notable rock formation, an extraordinary groundwater spring – any sites that have unique potential for communication about the subsurface. How can they improve our understanding of subsurface processes? Are they being used to raise awareness to bring the importance of geology to the attention of society?

After picking your favorites through the interactive selection process throughout May 2021 in our Twitter, in the opening session of GPS 2021 the finalists will be presented and you in the audience will vote to pick the winners of each category.

About the GeoStar Challenge

Opening of the webroom at 9.55 am EDT / 3.55 pm CEST

10.00 – 10.05 am EDT4.00 – 4.05 pm CEST	Welcome Renata BarrosGSB – Geological Survey of Belgium
10.05 – 10.30 am EDT4.05 – 4.30 pm CEST	Keynote speeches – Promoting the importance of geoscience to society GeoHeritage: The Earth’s Geological LegacyMónica SousaUniversity of Porto & Coordinator of the Panel of Experts on Geological Heritage (EFG – European Federation of Geologists) The role of geoscience in societyEd RobeckAGI – American Geosciences Institute
10.30 – 11.35 am EDT4.30 – 5.35 pm CEST	GeoStar Challenge Finals Which site best demonstrates the potential of geothermal energy? Which site best demonstrates breadth of potential geologic resources? Which site best demonstrates the importance of thoughtful management of subsurface systems? Which site best demonstrates the importance of geology for society? Surprise guest presentations and interactive polls
11.35 – 11.40 am EDT5.35 – 5.40 pm CEST	Première of the 360° Virtual field trip: The potential hidden in the subsurface
11.40 – 11.55 am EDT5.40 – 5.55 pm CEST	Q&A & Panel discussion – Challenges and opportunities in geoscience communication
11.55 am – 12.00 noon EDT5.55 – 6.00 pm CEST	Concluding remarks

End of the session at 12.00 noon EDT / 6.00 pm CEST

Tuesday 8 June

Bridging geothermal energy to the next level in the United States and the European Union

Geothermal energy used for electricity production, heating, cooling and seasonal heat storage still covers a niche inside the global energy market but has the potential to become a key player in the coming decades regarding the clean energy transition. To enter the “geothermal decade” as proposed by the European Geothermal Energy Council, still several technological as well as socio-economic barriers need to be addressed by policy makers and researchers.

This session aims at providing transatlantic views on the expected future opportunities and prevailing challenges of geothermal energy with emphasis on the role of Geological Survey Organizations providing an important link between academic research, industry and administration. In this context, attention is paid to the research and innovation roadmaps of the United States Geological Survey and EuroGeoSurveys as well as to showcasing the latest research activities inside these organizations.

Opening of the webroom at 9.55 am EDT / 3.55 pm CEST

10.00 – 10.05 am EDT4.00 – 4.05 pm CEST	Welcome Philippe DumasEuropean Geothermal Energy Council
10.05 – 10.30 am EDT4.05 – 4.30 pm CEST	Keynote speeches – The role of geothermal in the energy transition Future of US GeothermalLauren BoydUSDOE – US Department of Energy Innovation & momentum for deep geothermal in EuropeGerdi BreembroekChair of the Implementation on Deep Geothermal, SET Plan
10.30 – 11.00 am EDT4.30 – 5.00 pm CEST	Keynote speeches – Geothermal research and innovation at Geological Surveys from a transatlantic view Role of Geologic Survey Organizations for the futureErick BurnsUSGS – US Geological Survey Geothermal energy – an important aspect of subsurface resource managementSerge van GesselTNO – Geological Survey of the Netherlands & GeoEnergy Expert Group chair, EGS – EuroGeoSurveys
11.00 – 11.40 am EDT5.00 – 5.40 pm CEST	Short notes on research needs addressing barriers Technical challenges in the US: High-Temperature ResourcesDoug BlankenshipUSDOE – US Department of Energy & Sandia National Lab The development of high-temperature geothermal energy in mainland France: a technological and societal challengeMariane Peter-BorieBRGM – French Geological Survey Technical challenges in the US: Low-Temperature & Underground Thermal Energy Storage ResourcesColin WilliamsUSGS – US Geological Survey Managing urban shallow geothermal energy – the GeoERA MUSE projectCornelia SteinerGBA – Geological Survey of Austria
11.40 am – 12.00 noon EDT5.40 – 6.00 pm CEST	Open forum – The path forward to bring geothermal to the next level

End of the session at 12.00 noon EDT / 6.00 pm CEST

Wednesday 9 June

Towards Multi-Resource Assessments for Improved Sustainable Natural Resource Management

Activities that affect the subsurface naturally affect the surface resources as well. Thus, assessments of subsurface resources tell only part of the story that is of interest to policy makers, resource managers, and the public. How do past, current, and future uses of the subsurface affect the multiple natural resources to which they are connected? For example, how do old mining sites affect current and future water and ecosystem quality? How does hydraulic fracturing for energy production affect water availability for other necessary uses? How does geologic sequestration of carbon affect future agricultural or recreational uses of the landscape? Multi-resource assessments aim to provide decision-makers with more holistic assessments of natural resources to enable them to answer these important questions. Multi-resource assessments require working across disciplines and developing and using innovative tools for improved decision support, including scientific and technological advances such as improved sensor technologies, integrated modelling, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and high-performance computing.

Opening of the webroom at 9.55 am EDT / 3.55 pm CEST

10.00 – 10.05 am EDT4.00 – 4.05 pm CEST	Opening, introduction Sarah RykerAssociate Director Minerals and Energy Resources, USGS – US Geological Survey
10.05 – 10.45 am EDT4.05 – 4.45 pm CEST	Keynote speeches USGS Perspective on Multi-Resource AssessmentsSarah RykerAssociate Director Minerals and Energy Resources, USGS – US Geological Survey Serving multifunctional use of the subsurface: changing policies and perspectivesMichiel Van der MeulenChief Geologist, TNO – Geological Survey of the Netherlands
10.45 am – 12.00 noon EDT4.45 – 6.00 pm CEST	Panel discussion – Towards improved multi-resource assessments A framework for planning, conducting, and communicating multi-resource assessmentsKaren JenniSenior Staff Scientist, Energy and Mineral Mission Area, USGS – US Geological Survey CO₂ storage in Europe – will it finally set off?Vit HladikResearch Co-ordinator Geo-Energy, CGS – Czech Geological Survey Subsurface Carbon and Energy Storage Resource AssessmentsPeter WarwickResearch Geologist, USGS – US Geological Survey The application of UNFC – a valuable tool for a holistic approach on natural resources?Erika IngvaldHead of Division, Mineral Information & Mining Industry, SGU – Geological Survey of Sweden Quantifying possible water and land change impacts of oil and gas resource developmentSeth HainesResearch Geophysicist, USGS – US Geological Survey
12.00 – 12.25 noon EDT6.00 – 6.25 pm CEST	Q&A session with the speakers
12.25 – 12.30 noon EDT6.25 – 6.30 pm CEST	Concluding remarks

End of the session at 12.30 noon EDT / 6.30 pm CEST

Thursday 10 June

Managing the multiple uses of the subsurface

Climate change, together with demographic, socioeconomic and geopolitical trends, are increasing the demand and utilization of subsurface resources for energy, water supply and infrastructure. The use of the subsurface will require planning and prioritizing among subsurface uses, in particular looking at conflicts and synergies between them. The management of subsurface resources and uses should be included in spatial planning and governance strategies at regional, national, and local scale.

The main topic of this session is to present through practical and concrete examples “How the Subsurface Management and Subsurface Spatial Planning occurs in EU and USA – Their Advantages and Obstacles”. From the operator side and Geological Surveys’ experience, this session will share their views and research on how to prioritize and optimize competing subsurface uses taking into account economic, societal and environmental considerations.

Opening of the webroom at 9.55 am EDT / 3.55 pm CEST

10.00 – 10.05 am EDT4.00 – 4.05 pm CEST	Welcome
10.05 – 10.45 am EDT4.05 – 4.45 pm CEST	EU Industry / US State perspective To be announced
10.45 – 11.15 am EDT4.45 – 5.15 pm CEST	Geological Survey perspective The USGS Earth Mapping Resources Initiative – a partnership with State Geological Surveys to support the upstream supply chain for critical mineralsWarren DayEarth Mapping Resources Initiative Science Coordinator, USGS – US Geological Survey Paradigm shifts in subsurface management and planningSerge van GesselTNO – Geological Survey of the Netherlands & GeoEnergy Expert Group chair, EGS – EuroGeoSurveys
11.15 – 11.45 am EDT5.15 – 5.45 pm CEST	Q&A session with the speakers
11.45 am – 12.00 noon EDT5.45 – 6.00 pm CEST	Concluding remarks

End of the session at 12.00 noon EDT / 6.00 pm CEST

Friday 11 June

Final debate – Geoscience, Policy and Societal Challenges

The final session of the GPS 2021 webinar series aims to give a comprehensive review of the whole weeks’ sessions, with an added perspective on need for further developing the interactions between geoscience and policy as well as society. The complexity of this interaction poses many questions for each of the parties involved; geoscience can provide a sound base for policymaking, with society expecting improved outcomes. When the desired outcomes are not met, the gaps along the science and communication chain need to be identified and corrected where possible.

This session will begin with high-level keynote speakers’ reflections on the overarching needs and expectations in the science-policy-society triangle, including interventions by representatives of the US Government and the Geological Surveys of Europe. This will be followed by a panel discussion with scientific experts, who will deliberate on the outcomes of the webinar series and discuss how the lessons learned could be reflected upon in view of current and future geoscience-related policy and research agendas in order to increase its impact for an improved society.

Opening of the webroom at 9.55 am EDT / 3.55 pm CEST

10.00 – 10.05 am EDT4.00 – 4.05 pm CET	Opening, introduction Slavko SolarSecretary General, EGS – EuroGeoSurveys
10.05 – 10.20 am EDT4.05 – 4.20 pm CET	A review of the GPS Webinars Session I, GeoStar Challenge finals: Renata Barros (GSB – Geological Survey of Belgium) Session II, Geothermal Energy: Gregor Götzl (GBA – Geological Survey of Austria) Session III, Multi-Resource Assessment: Sarah Ryker (USGS – US Geological Survey) Session IV, Subsurface Management: Isaline Gravaud (BRGM – French Geological Survey)
10.20 – 10.50 am EDT4.20 – 4.50 pm CEST	Keynote speeches – Essential role of geology in support of policy and addressing societal challenges USGS Science: Informing Social Discourse and Public PolicyDave ApplegateAssociate Director for Natural Hazards Exercising the Delegated Authority of the Director, USGS – US Geological Survey The role of geology in political and societal discourses – a particular challenge in Europe?Ralph WatzelPresident, EGS – EuroGeoSurveys & BGR – German Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources
10.50 – 11.20 am EDT4.50 – 5.20 pm CEST	Keynote speeches – The Strategic role of knowledge of geoscience in subsurface policy making Meeting 21^st century global challenges with transdisciplinary earth and biological system science—the USGS perspectiveGeoff PlumleeChief Scientist, USGS – US Geological Survey The Strategic role of knowledge of Geoscience in policy makingKoen VerbruggenDirector, GSI – Geological Survey Ireland
11.20 – 11.55 am EDT5.20 – 5.55 pm CET	Q&A & Panel discussion – The way forward: contributions of Geological Surveys towards a more sustainable and safe use and management of the underground space
11.55 am – 12.00 noon EDT5.55 – 6.00 pm CET	Concluding remarks Dave Applegate (USGS) & Ralph Watzel (EGS & BGR)

End of the session at 12.00 noon EDT / 6.00 pm CEST

Side events

Monday 07 June

Virtual field trip: The potential hidden in the subsurface

The main goal of the 360° virtual field trip is to demonstrate the importance of geosites for discussing the significance and potential of the subsurface. In geosites such as the UNESCO Global Geopark Famenne-Ardenne, several crucial aspects of geology are visible at (or near) the surface. We will take the audience to a selection of outcrops that unveil and help the understanding of the potential of the subsurface.

The virtual field trip will be premièred in the interactive opening session of GPS 2021 on Monday 7 June. After the launch, the video will be accessible on the YouTube channel of the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences.

No registration needed.

Follow the RBINS YouTube channel

Thursday 10 June

GeoConnect³d project: Geological information and knowledge for policy support

It is a challenge to disclose and discuss geological information and knowledge. This challenge was accepted by the GeoConnect³d project, and a new methodological approach was developed to provide the information and knowledge needed for policy support, with a special focus on subsurface management.

This workshop aims at demonstrating the results of the application of the new methodology to specific policy challenges in Europe.

Opening of the webroom at 9.55 am CEST

Detailed schedule to be released soon

Monday 14 June

MUSE project: Urban Geothermal energy use with special reference to shallow subsurface application

Urban areas are key nodes for energy transformation and climate change mitigation as they are on the one hand very vulnerable but on the other hand represent innovation and efficiency hubs. Shallow geothermal energy is expected to become an important technology for providing heating and cooling for buildings and supply low temperature heat storage. Deep geothermal energy may play an important role for supplying conventional district heating systems and the cogeneration of electricity. Using geothermal energy in urban conglomerates offers great opportunities and challenges at the same time when it comes to the interaction with groundwater bodies or the use of the surface and subsurface space.

This workshop aims at providing transatlantic views on the future of managing geothermal energy in urban areas. Special attention is paid on the inputs of Geological Survey Organizations on data assessment, governance and management.

This session addresses researchers, local authorities and other stakeholders dealing with the use of geothermal energy in urban areas.

Opening of the webroom at 9.55 am EDT / 3.55 pm CEST

10.00 – 10.05 am EDT4.00 – 4.05 pm CEST

Welcome

10.05 – 12.30 noon EDT4.05 – 6.00 pm CEST

Introduction talks and Q&A

Overview of legal framework for shallow geothermal use in EuropeMaciej R. KłonowskiPIG-PIB – Polish Geological Institute – National Research Institute, Poland
Exploring the need for an adaptive management concept in urban shallow geothermal useAlejandro Garcia GilIGME – Geological Survey of Spain
The significance of groundwater and underground infrastructures to shallow geothermal systemYu-Feng F. LinUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States
Recent and planned USGS research on thermal energy storage and low-temperature geothermal energy — abstract available hereErick BurnsUSGS – US Geological Survey
Resource maps – important inputs for management decisionsCornelia SteinerGBA – Geological Survey of Austria
Case study Munich: Investigation of urban groundwater temperatures and the development of a groundwater management tool for the thermal useKai Zosseder & Fabian BoettcherTechnical University of Munich, Germany

12.00 noon – 12.30 noon EDT6.00 – 6.30 pm CEST

Panel discussion – New horizons and challenges for the use of geothermal energy in urban areas

End of the session at 12.30 noon EDT / 6.30 pm CEST