GOALS

The LIFE FRAC-IN project has several key objectives:

1. To validate the effectiveness of the FRAC-IN technology across various field environments that encompass a range of geological conditions and types of contaminants. This includes supporting the technology’s application on a full scale at additional sites.

2. To develop a framework for assessing the feasibility of the FRAC-IN technology, considering economic, environmental, and technical factors.

3. To advocate for the inclusion of the FRAC-IN technology in EU policies related to soil remediation and brownfield redevelopment.

This project is designed to contribute to the implementation of the Soil Thematic Strategy and support the goals of the Seventh Environment Action Programme, specifically in the areas of soil remediation and the redevelopment of brownfield sites.

project outcomes

Contaminated sites that are treated in situ require direct interaction between the remediation agent and the pollutant. This method is generally restricted to soils with high permeability to ensure the proper spread of the remediation agents within the contaminated matrices. Nevertheless, the FRAC-IN technology allows for the injection of remedial agents into sites with low permeability. It integrates direct-push drilling, an innovative method for delivering remediation agents in situ without the need for permanent wells, with pneumatic and hydraulic fracturing. This approach injects remediation agents into low-permeability contaminated soils, creating secondary porosity while applying reactive substances. This process results in the formation of extensive reactive zones within the contaminated aquifer.

Expected results of the project:

• Partial clean-up of seven test sites (2 500 m²);

• removal of chemical substances from the environment:

• 127 kg chromium (VI)

• 2 460 kg (chlorinated) solvents

• 5 000 kg mineral oil

• reduction of CO2 emission by 92% (1 385 tonnes);

• verification of the optimal vertical extent for successful FRAC-IN applications;

• verification of the compatibility of FRAC-IN with established remediation techniques; 

• and EU-wide dissemination.

CURRENT STATUS

Belgian test sites:

• Frac-in injections completed at 2 test sites

  • Eeklo

  • Tielt

• Preparations are ongoing for 3rd test site

  • Drogenbos

• 4th test site not yet started

Cezch test sites:

• Frac-in injections completed at 1 test site

• Pilot design completed for 2 test sites

Sustainability assesment

A sustainability assesment is currently being prepared. This includes a general description of the methodology for the sustainability assessment and a detailed description of the chosen assessment model. This will be supplemented with site-specific assessments to estimate the overall sustainability. 

A draft of the application framework has been prepared, which includes of a general description of the technology and it’s currently known capabilities and limitations. This will be supplemented with findings from the pilot site implementations and monitoring data to create more detailed guidelines for assessing applicability and feasibility.

Replication and transfer plan

The Replication and transfer plan is currently being drafted. This aims to make the tehcnology available to other stakeholders and consists of startegies for the following:

1. Plans for further remediation at pilot sites

2. Integration of FRAC-in in commercial remediation activities

3. Cooperation with subcontractors

Expected progress

1. March-april 2026: 
     Frac-in injections at pilots site Drogenbos (BE)

2. Monitoring visit to Drogenbos pilot site

3. Implementation of 2 remaining Czech pilot sites

4. Project finalisation at end of 2026, including an end-of-project conference