In a groundbreaking development, temperatures exceeding all forecasts have been recorded in the depths of a geothermal project in Graben-Neudorf, sending waves of excitement through the energy industry. The unexpected heat, reaching a staggering 200 degrees Celsius at a depth of 4,000 meters, has ignited fresh prospects for innovative energy production while underscoring the complexity and potential of Earth’s subterranean resources.
Deutsche Erdwärme GmbH, the driving force behind the project, had originally anticipated temperatures around 160 degrees Celsius. However, the reservoir’s scorching conditions, disclosed by the German Geothermal Association, have surpassed these projections. While heralding a promising future for harnessing geothermal energy, this revelation also poses new challenges, as equipment must now be adapted to endure the higher thermal loads.
“We are witnessing a pivotal moment in geothermal energy exploration,” declared Herbert Pohl, the founder and managing director of Deutsche Erdwärme GmbH. He emphasized that the newfound knowledge of the geology and reservoir conditions in Graben-Neudorf opens doors for leveraging these insights in future projects.
The region’s geothermal potential is not a novel concept. In the Upper Rhine Graben, the small town of Landau introduced one of Germany’s earliest geothermal power plants in 2007. Yet, initial successes were marred by seismic activities and ground disturbances, leading to the facility’s temporary closure due to concerns about structural integrity. Despite the hurdles, the allure of geothermal energy continues to captivate the region’s energy landscape, sparking conversations about sustainability and seismic stability.
Mitigating seismic concerns has been a priority for the ongoing Graben-Neudorf-1 project. To this end, real-time seismic monitoring has been in effect since the project’s inception, providing vital data on the surrounding geological shifts. Thus far, 18 regional earthquakes, ranging from magnitude 1 to 4.6, have been detected, though none were situated closer than 10 kilometers to the drilling site. These efforts underscore a commitment to sustainable energy development while safeguarding against potential environmental ramifications.
Deutsche Erdwärme’s prominence in the realm of geothermal energy has positioned it as Germany’s foremost private developer and operator of deep geothermal energy plants. While multiple projects simmer on the company’s backburner, the focus remains steadfast on Graben-Neudorf. Neighboring projects in Dettenheim and Waghäusl, though facing varying degrees of local support, hint at a broader geothermal renaissance in the Upper Rhine Graben.
Meanwhile, a parallel narrative unfolds in the heart of Hamburg’s Wilhelmsburg district. Hamburger Energiewerke (HEnW) is preparing to revolutionize local energy supply with geothermal energy. Following successful production tests, HEnW is poised to deliver thermal water from a rock layer 1,300 meters beneath the surface, boasting temperatures of 48 degrees Celsius. The endeavor, backed by Hamburg Energie Geothermie, an affiliate of HEnW, showcases innovative filtration techniques to maximize efficiency.
With a production rate of approximately 140 cubic meters per hour, the project anticipates a geothermal heat output of 6 megawatts, earmarked to serve over 4,700 households. Through judicious heat pump utilization, water temperatures will escalate to 75 to 85 degrees Celsius, bolstering heat output and expanding its reach to approximately 6,000 households.
Michael Prinz, Managing Director of HEnW, affirmed the significance of this stride. Commending the collaboration with the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology, Prinz acknowledged the scientific oversight and support that has paved the way for this unprecedented feat.
The Hamburg geothermal venture is woven into the broader tapestry of the Integrated Heat Turnaround Wilhelmsburg (IW3) real laboratory, an ambitious initiative to usher in a carbon-neutral era of heat provision for local communities. The German Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection has granted substantial funding of 22.5 million euros to underpin this visionary endeavor.
Inga Moeck, a distinguished professor of geothermal energy at Georg-August University of Göttingen, voiced her enthusiasm for this transformative energy pathway. She accentuated the importance of geological understanding in assessing reservoirs’ water permeability, stressing the role of research initiatives such as the mesoTherm project in ensuring informed decisions.
As Germany continues to pivot toward a sustainable energy future, deep geothermal energy emerges as a potent contender. Experts project a substantial contribution of 300 terawatt hours annually to the nation’s climate-neutral heat supply by 2050. Bavaria’s innovative drilling method, seeking to extract heat directly from rock without relying on thermal water reservoirs, exemplifies the industry’s commitment to minimizing risks.
Journalist covering politics, economics, commodities, and more.