By Lynda Myer
A Tunnel Engineering Consultants (TEC) that is a permanent joint venture between Royal HaskoningDHV and Witteveen+Bos for advancing a technical feasibility study into establishing the underground Einstein Telescope in Europe, has been launched by Dutch research institute Nikhef.
As Europe’s most advanced observatory for gravitational waves, the Einstein Telescope will be an important breakthrough and TEC, in conjunction with the Swiss partners Amberg, Lombardi and the Belgian Tractebel, will study whether the soil of the Meuse-Rhine Euregio is suitable to house the facility.
Located 250-300m beneath the Earth’s surface, a triangle of three vacuum corridors each with 10km length will be the contents of the Einstein Telescope, while there, sensitive lasers and vibration-free suspended mirrors will continuously measure gravitational waves.
In comparision with gravitational waves, the telescope will detect a thousand times more than its predecessors. By measuring those ripples in spacetime, scientists aim to hear black holes collide and gain knowledge about the early universe, just after the Big Bang.
Considering that the soft topsoil blocks vibrations caused by human activity at the surface, allowing the underground observatory to take measurements undisturbed, the location in the border area of the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany was selected.
Additionally, as a technology centre the area comprises of universities and a network of hi-tech companies with expertise in the precision technology needed.
Among other things, TEC investigates the suitability of the subsoil, the best position of the three points of the triangle and all the technical challenges involved in building tunnels at depth.
According to TEC management director Hans de Wit: “Tunnels are our DNA at TEC and we are well-known as global market leaders in tunnel engineering and design. We’re delighted to bring our expertise to assess the feasibility of this location for the iconic Einstein Telescope.”
The three countries will decide at cabinet level whether to apply as a possible site. Sardinia is also interested in hosting the Einstein Telescope. The final choice of location is expected to be made at European level in 2025/2026.
