BRGM presents flashbacks of some of its key achievements in 2021, with each video covering one of the six strategic goals in its objectives and performance contract with the French government, namely:

• Promote a research policy to support the production of knowledge, expertise and innovation
• Deploy BRGM’s expertise to help shape public policies
• Support a proactive policy for innovation, adding value and knowledge transfer
• Strengthen BRGM’s European and international strategy
• Develop a sites and training policy in line with our scientific strategy
• Boost governance and management dynamics

You can watch the 6 videos by clicking on the links below.

Three European H2020 projects won

In 2021, BRGM was entrusted with 3 European H2020 projects: Rawmina, CoCliCo and Promisces.

The “OneWater - Water as a Common Good” programme, chosen by the government

The OneWater - Water as a Common Good project was selected in the first round of the call for “Priority Research Programmes and Equipment” (PEPR), published in the framework of the Fourth Future Investment Programme (PIA4) and the France Relance (recovery) plan. This 10-year programme benefits from a €53 million investment for the future to explore 6 scientific and technical challenges for moving towards more responsible conception and management of water as an essential common good. 

Exceptional success in French research agency (ANR) calls for projects

Finally, 14 projects out of the 56 BRGM pre-proposals submitted in December 2020 were selected in the context of ANR calls for projects, i.e., a success rate of 25%.

Support for the development of near-surface geothermal energy in the Greater Paris Metropolitan Area

BRGM provided support for the development of geothermal energy in the Greater Paris Metropolis. An exceptional project in an area of more than 800 km² with 7 million inhabitants, 148 municipalities and energy needs in excess of 50 TWh/year.

Treatment of a sink-hole under a shop in Saint-Etienne

BRGM intervened promptly by treating, as a matter of urgency, a sink-hole discovered under a business in Saint-Etienne. The work, completed in less than 2 months, filled in the 15-metre-deep cavity which had a surface area of approximately 100 square metres.

Mineral resources: support for industrial sectors

To provide sustainable access to mineral resources, BRGM has intervened to support industrial sectors, in particular by carrying out three geological and mining studies in partnership with French industrialists. The Minéralinfo website, the French reference portal on mineral resources, has, moreover, been completely redesigned.

Development of geothermal energy in the Caribbean

2021 was also the year in which BRGM undertook the energy transition project in the Caribbean. Within the framework of Interreg cooperation led by the Guadeloupe region, this 2-year project will usher in the creation of a centre of excellence and the exploration of deep and near-surface resources.

Managing the risk of karst collapse in Orléans

Finally, BRGM intervened to prevent a risk of ground collapse in Orléans on Avenue Gaston Galloux. This event led to discussions with local actors on ways of improving the overall management of karst collapse risks.

The Imagine2 project awarded the EquipEx+ label

As part of the French “Investing for the Future Programme” (PIA [Programme d’investissements d’avenir] a total of 50 strategic projects for developing research facilities received the EquipEx+ label . One of these, Imagine2, aims to create a national imaging and analysis platform for energy and environmental transition. This project should boost the influence of higher education and research in the Centre-Val de Loire region, and strengthen cooperation between research establishments, particularly thanks to existing platforms, such as Plat’ Inn, PRIME and the MIMAROC platform currently being built. 

BRGM wins the 1^st phase of the BHP Tailings Challenge

The Circular Mine Consortium, of which BRGM is a member, was selected in the first phase of the BHP Tailings Challenge, one of 10 consortia chosen out of 153 applicants. Objective: to develop an innovative process to treat 50 million tonnes per year of mine waste from the processing of copper ores. BRGM is positioned as a world-renowned player in the reprocessing and recovery of mining waste.

Two major geological infrastructure projects finalised in Cameroon and Malawi

To increase geological knowledge of regions and their mineral resources, and to better understand natural hazards, BRGM has completed two major geological infrastructure projects, in Cameroon and Malawi. This work aimed to foster the development of strategic partnerships and promote the mining potential of both countries.

Support for the Namibian government in its fight against drought

BRGM also supported the Namibian government in its fight against drought. This is the 1^st partnership between BRGM and the French Development Agency (AFD) for capacity building for groundwater management in Namibia.

Deployment of the Coastal Risks and Climate Change Unit in Nouvelle-Aquitaine

2021 marked a change for BRGM's coastal sector. The reference centre, initially based in Orléans, was relocated to Bordeaux, thus creating a centre of excellence on the coast. Objectives: to strengthen links with the Aquitaine science ecosystem and to create a centre of excellence with European or even international reach.

A Data Centre for pooling digital resources and services for researchers and teachers

BRGM, INSA Centre-Val de Loire, the University of Orléans and the University of Tours combined forces to set up a joint data centre called the Centre-Val de Loire Regional Data Centre. Labelled a “regional data centre” by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, it offers a “self-service” portal, a powerful and simplified tool for developing work and projects.

Launch of the construction of new laboratories on the BRGM site in Orléans

The construction of a high-performance energy research platform is one of BRGM's flagship projects. The BATLAB programme is being set up in Orléans, in almost 3,500 m² divided between laboratories, a reception area and co-working spaces. It should be commissioned in April 2025.

Redesigning of the BRGM website

The redesigned website, www.brgm.fr, has been a great success with more than 1,000 fully bilingual pages receiving nearly 600,000 visits per year. This major change has enabled BRGM to improve its communication of issues, solutions, references and news.

Renewal of the BRGM’s ISO 9001 and 14001 certifications

BRGM's ISO 9001 (quality) and ISO 14001 (environment) certifications were renewed at the end of 2021. They recognized BRGM's professionalism and environmental responsibility.

BRGM hosts the 30^th anniversary of the Fête de la Science

The event of the year in 2021 was the Fête de la science organised on BRGM premises in Orléans. With more than 7,000 visitors (a record attendance for these open-door events organised at BRGM every four years), 25 external exhibitors and 200 BRGM volunteers, this annual event made for a joyful, festive and educational weekend.