Projects
Multiscale and Multiphysics Characterization of Volcanic Rocks
PI-G. Shahin [2026-2028] CHF 808'000 SNSF + CHF 100'000 EPFL Fund Geothermal energy harvesting has gained renewed momentum in recent years following the discovery of high-temperature resources exceeding 400°C in volcanic systems. This emerging industry has highlighted our limited understanding of these types of rocks, particularly in our ability to predict their deformation behaviors under the complex thermo-hydro-chemo-mechanical conditions relevant to geothermal reservoirs. This project is designed to address this critical knowledge gap. We employ advanced geomechanics testing methods and modeling frameworks to develop novel insights and predictive capabilities for volcanic rocks that support the safe and efficient exploitation of underground geothermal resources. This project aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including Affordable and Clean Energy, Climate Action, Sustainable Cities, and Responsible Production and Consumption. It is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation through an Ambizione Fellowship awarded to Ghassan Shahin. The project fosters collaborations between EPFL, the Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Strasbourg, leveraging expertise in geomechanics, geosciences, and volcanology.
EPFLRock4CCS: Quantifying chEmo-hydromechanical Properties and FaiLure mechanics of reservoir ROCKs for Carbon Capture and Sequestration
PI- G. Shahin Co-PI M. Violay [2022-2026] in excess of CHF 650'000 Geological carbon sequestration involves injecting high-pressure fluids into deep, porous subsurface reservoirs. These operations can generate substantial mechanical and chemical perturbations, potentially causing irreversible deformation both within the reservoir and in the surrounding rock mass. In this project, we conduct a laboratory pilot study that mimics fluid injection into a reservoir at miniature scale, with the aim of characterizing, through a multiscale approach, how pressurized water and weak acidic fluids influence the deformation behavior of porous rocks. This project contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including Affordable and Clean Energy, Climate Action, Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Responsible Consumption and Production. It is funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme through a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship, as well as by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy. The project also fosters collaboration among EPFL, École Normale Supérieure Paris, École des Ponts ParisTech, and Johns Hopkins University, bringing together complementary expertise in geomechanics, geosciences, and geotechnology.