The Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) succeeded in the Academy of Finland's autumn funding calls, obtaining total funding of roughly EUR 1.4 million. This includes funding for an academy researcher to study deep geothermal energy. In addition, GTK will be a partner in two academy projects: the first will offer an innovative approach to the separation and recovery of phosphorus from material and waste flows. The second project will study the role of the coast as a carbon sink. Starting in September 2023, the projects have a four-year funding period.
The Academy of Finland will provide roughly EUR 677,000 in funding for an academy researcher to study deep geothermal energy resources outside hot volcanic areas and rift zones. This expanded use will offer almost limitless energy for societal needs, including heating. Finding these resources is a global challenge. Alan Bischoff, Senior Researcher at GTK, and his team will identify processes that lead to the generation of large and deep natural heat reservoirs at low temperatures, especially in the Nordic countries.
In addition, GTK will be a partner in two funded academy projects. The first project, coordinated by the University of Eastern Finland, will offer an innovative technological approach to separating and recovering phosphorus from material and waste flows, while recycling materials smartly using circular economy concepts. Phosphate is regarded as a strategic raw material, whose supply is unstable, and whose sufficient availability may become a significant problem in the future. The results of this project will plug current gaps in knowledge, research and development, while promoting a resource-efficient circular economy. GTK will cover approximately EUR 400,000 of total project funding. Malgorzata Szlachta, Senior Scientist, will act as the responsible researcher.
The second funded academy project will study the impact of the composition of phytoplankton communities and the routes of particles on the role of the biological pump of coastal areas in climate change. The project seeks to better understand the role of coastal areas as carbon sinks. The marine ecosystem plays a significant part in climate engineering. The project will be coordinated by the Finnish Environment Institute, and GTK will cover approximately EUR 300,000 of total project funding. Karoliina Koho, Senior Scientist, will act as the responsible researcher.
For further information, please contact:
Saku Vuori, Director, Science and Innovations
Geological Survey of Finland GTK
saku.vuori@gtk.fi
Tel. +358 29 503 2459
