Background
Hydrothermal geothermal energy refers to the utilization of deep underground hot water stored in geological formations. These geothermal reservoirs are located at depths between 400 and 5,000 meters and contain thermal water that circulates through pore spaces, fractures, or fault systems in sedimentary or volcanic rocks. Through specially drilled wells, this hot water can be extracted and used for various applications.
Our research in this field focuses on the exploration, development, utilization, and integration of hydrothermal reservoirs into urban geothermal energy concepts. This includes research on exploration methods, subsurface process models, and their integration into heat transfer models. We characterize potential reservoirs through field studies, borehole measurements (borehole geophysics, tests), and laboratory analyses (rock physics, rock chemistry, fluid chemistry). These data are incorporated into comprehensive (numerical) 3D/4D geothermal models.
Our petrophysical rock characterization includes hydraulic, thermal, and mechanical properties under (simulated) in situ conditions. We have particular expertise in the temporal and scale-overarching thermal description, analysis, integrated evaluation, and monitoring of the subsurface. We support geothermal projects as scientific partners with specific research questions, contributing to the improvement of processes and methodologies.

Scientific Key Questions
Research on hydrothermal geothermal energy focuses on several key scientific questions:

• Reservoir Characterization: How can geothermal systems be efficiently explored and evaluated? What geological and hydrogeochemical factors determine their potential?
• Heat Transport and Efficiency: How do the thermal properties of rocks influence energy production? Which technologies can optimize heat extraction?
• Fluid-Rock Interactions: What chemical processes occur between thermal water and surrounding rocks, and how do they affect the long-term stability of the reservoir?
• Sustainable Operation Strategies: How can a hydrothermal resource be used economically and environmentally in the long term without disrupting the geochemical balance?
• Drilling and Extraction Technologies: What innovative methods can make the development of hydrothermal systems safer and more efficient?

Associated Projects

• PotAMMO | Potentials of aquifer heat storage in the model regions Mannheim and Offenbach
• ThermoBase
• heatflow@innerspace
• CHENILLE | Coupled beHavior undErstaNdIng of fauLts : from the Laboratory to the fiEld
• Welt-Wärmestrom-Datenbank
• Global Heat Flow Data Assessment
• Geothermische Wärmeversorgung Potsdam
• TRANSGEO | Transforming abandoned wells for geothermal energy production
• PERFORM 2 | Improving Geothermal System Performance through Collective Knowledge Building and Technology Development
• Regional heat flow, temperatures and geothermal potential in the North German Basin