GEFISS, a research project on subsurface governance in the context of the energy transition, involves 5 university laboratories and 5 industrial partners in the sector.
The energy transition is a crucial dimension of the ecological transition, enabling us to address climate change by modifying our behavior in numerous areas and our energy mix. In this context, the subsoil represents a significant avenue for finding solutions, one that remains largely unexplored and poorly understood. The subsoil allows for storage (of hydrogen in cavities, for example), heat production (geothermal energy), and the recovery of rare gases such as naturally occurring helium. But, more importantly, the use of the subsoil requires that operators be able to explain and discuss their projects with the public through public debate or consultation . However, in this area, industry is still ill-equipped; the standards they rely on are unsatisfactory and ineffective.
GEFISS is a research project whose objective is to build a knowledge base about governance in the field of subsurface engineering (geothermal energy, energy storage, CO2 storage, etc.). It brings together a multidisciplinary team made up of experts in the humanities and social sciences, earth sciences, public consultation, as well as representatives from industry.
GEFISS draws on the experience and expertise of its partners to study current dialogue mechanisms that involve stakeholders in a region or sector on issues related to subsurface resource exploitation within the context of the energy transition. One of the project's objectives is to propose a set of methods to foster stakeholder engagement, particularly among local communities, in constructive dialogue surrounding the implementation of projects driven by these sectors.
GEFISS is structured around three components and draws its strength from each of them:
Research conducted through various post-doctoral positions and theses dedicated to it
Experimentation and implementation of tools in project situations
Res publica has partnered with the CNRS to set up this research project funded by both the ANR and by industry.
