Rijswijk Well Technology Test Facility
Unique open innovation lab for testing and developing technologies for energy transition
Page last modified
September 10 2025
The Rijswijk Centre for Sustainable Geo-energy (RCSG) is an open innovation lab operated by TNO, focused on improving geo-energy technologies to accelerate the energy transition. RCSG features unique facilities for full-scale testing and demonstration of new drilling techniques, flow dynamics, and materials under high pressure and temperature conditions that simulate the subsurface environment.
Key technical capabilities include:
- A drilling installation above a 387-meter deep well for testing new materials and methods
- Hydraulic presses of 300 and 400 tonnes
- Pressure vessels up to 1,000 bar
- Piping systems for pumping and testing liquids
- High Internal Pressure Equipment (HIPE) vessel for burst and collapse tests of tubing/pipes at 1000 bar operating pressure
The center allows realistic simulation of underground conditions to study material and tool behavior at high pressures and depths of kilometers. It covers the complete technology readiness maturation process, enabling development and testing of innovations before field application. This reduces financial risks associated with field testing while maximizing business opportunities.
RCSG collaborates with industry partners and academia through research consortia, internships, B2B assignments, and knowledge exchange programs. Its facilities and expertise span the entire spectrum of subsurface drilling, making it a crucial resource for advancing sustainable geo-energy technologies.
Pros & Limitations
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Operated by TNO, the largest independent R&D organization in the Netherlands
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Unique open innovation lab for improving geo-energy technologies
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Offers full-scale testing and demonstration facilities for new drilling techniques, flow, and materials under high pressure and temperature
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Accelerates the energy transition by developing and maturing well technology innovations
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Provides realistic simulation of underground conditions to test material and tool behavior
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Reduces financial risk of field testing for new technologies
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Covers the complete tech-ready maturation process for subsurface energy technologies
Our Expertise
| Expertise Title | Expertise Description |
|---|---|
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Technology Testing and Maturation
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We offer facilities to test and develop technologies in the domain of well construction and production. Our experienced staff can also carry out fundamental research of the subsurface in conjunction with the broader TNO network.
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Specification
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Theme/Discipline | Well DrillingWell ConstructionWell Plug and Abandonment |
| Core Tech | Consultancy |
| Industry | Energy StorageGeothermalOil |
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Drill Rig / Research Well
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Herrenknecht semi-automated drilling rig connected to mud circulation system.
> 380m deep research well > 200m deep HT-ATES well |
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Multiphase CO2 Flowloop
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Fluid: pure CO2 or wit any combination of contaminants CH4, CO, N2, H2, Ar
Design Pressure 100bar Temperature Range -40 to 70degC Gas mass flow up to 0.5 kg/s Liquid flow up to 2600 l/h |
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Drilling Simulator
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50T compression stroke drilling machine connected to mud circulation system and shaker
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Shallow Test Well
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12m deep shallow test well for testing logging and workover technology.
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Experimental Flow Loops
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Cuttings/mud distribution flow loop
High-temperature and salinity flow loop Shallow BTES flow loop Oil-brine flow loop |
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Pressure Testing
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1000 bar (14,500 psi) pressure vessel (HIPE)
400T hydrostatic press 250T mechanical press 20T loadframe High Pressure Medium Temperature vessel |
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High Temperature Enclosure
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15m3 steel enclosure (<350 ˚C)
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TNO is an independent, not-for-profit research organization in the Netherlands. It is the innovation engine of the Netherlands, driven to push boundaries with every innovation it creates. TNO's mission is to create impactful innovations for the sustainable wellbeing and prosperity of society. It supports the Dutch government in carrying out statutory and other government tasks in the public interest, and it helps to boost the earning power of the Netherlands. TNO collaborates with partners such as large multinationals, SMEs, universities, knowledge institutions, and public authorities to work on shared challenges and create innovations that contribute to resolving major societal and economic issues. The organization takes pride in its experts, referred to as "Time Setters," who fulfill TNO's mission with passion, energy, and drive every day.
Country of Headquarters
Netherlands
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