In May 2026, the European Federation of Geologists (EFG) became a partner in three new EU-funded projects:
SPECS: ImpuritieS ImPacts and ManagEment for CO₂ Storage
The 42-month project addresses a critical challenge for carbon capture and storage (CCS): understanding how CO₂ impurities affect the entire geological storage system, from the injection well to the caprock.
The SPECS’ kick-off meeting was hosted by the coordinator, IFP Energies Nouvelles, in Paris (France), on 5–6 May 2026. EFG participated both in person and online.
EFG is leading the communication, dissemination and exploitation of the project results and will support other tasks, such as the recommendations for guidelines and standardisation.
Visit the SPECS website to learn more: www.specsproject.eu
UPLIFT: Demonstrating Safe, Multi-stage Enhanced Geothermal Systems for Europe
The 48-month project will demonstrate, at Czechia’s leading energy research site RINGEN, in Litoměřice, how multi-stage Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) stimulation can be efficiently implemented in Europe while reducing technical, social and environmental risks.
The UPLIFT consortium held its first meeting on 8–9 June 2026 in Potsdam (Germany), hosted by the coordinator, GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences. EFG participated in person.
EFG is leading the communication, dissemination and exploitation of the project results and will support the tasks related to social engagement and evidence-based decision making for EGS.
Visit the UPLIFT’s website to learn more: www.uplift-horizon.eu
BOREAS: Beyond Outreach, Robotised Exploration and Mining in the Arctic Subsurface
Europe’s green transition depends on critical raw materials, yet the continent remains heavily reliant on imports, particularly from China. To address this challenge, the 48-month BOREAS project will develop intelligent, low-impact mining technologies to unlock Europe’s own resources.
At the heart of BOREAS is the Malmbjerg deposit in Greenland, one of the world’s largest undeveloped sources of molybdenum, with valuable magnesium by-products, helping strengthen Europe’s supply of materials essential for clean energy and advanced industries.
Led by Luleå University of Technology, the project began with an online meeting on 20 May 2026, followed by an in-person kick-off meeting hosted by project partner Technical University of Denmark on 8–9 June 2026 in Copenhagen. EFG participated in both meetings.
EFG leads the development of BOREAS’ ESG governance and compliance framework. In the later stages of the project, EFG will lead the development of transparency dashboards, replication tools, and policy guidance to support the long-term uptake and replication of project results.
Visit the BOREAS website to learn more: www.boreas-mining.eu
Through its participation in SPECS, UPLIFT and BOREAS, EFG continues to contribute geological expertise to European initiatives supporting the energy transition, climate action and sustainable resource management.
