[Translate to English:] Geothermische Nutzung der Karbonatgesteine im norddeutschen Becken

Efficient exploration of the geothermal potential in urban areas

The project aims to understand the geological conditions underneath Vienna, to determine the geothermal potential of deep geothermal reservoirs for urban heating.

Study on the sustainable mitigation of CO2 emissions using the geological storage of heat or gases.

Multidisciplinary and multi-context demonstration of Enhanced Geothermal Systems exploration and exploitation techniques and potentials - MEET

Tight Geothermal Casing Connections for Axial Stress Mitigation

Energy Systems Integration
In the future we will cover a big share of our energy demand with renewable energies. A reliable, stable and affordable energy supply requires, in addition to the obvious grid expansion and storages, the consideration of systemic aspects and flexibility of both the producers and the consumers.

Reaktive Reservoirsysteme – Lösung und Fällung von Salzen und die Auswirkungen auf die hydraulischen und mechanischen Gebirgseigenschaften

The project aims to remedy and remove remaining geological, technical and commercial constraints for the district heating infrastructure in Denmark.

The “Energy System 2050” initiative explores the integration of technological key elements into the energy system and elaborates solutions to integrate the partially fluctuating renewable energies successfully into German and European energy systems.

An optimized storage capacity, confidence for the method and a cost-efficient and safe storage operation are prerequisites for a successful implementation of geological storage of carbon dioxide (CO2)

The project H2_ReacT researches fundamental aspects of the geological storage of hydrogen. The project aims to derive experimental data on the kinetics of chemical reactions and microbial processes as well as on transport mechanisms of molecular hydrogen in deep geological systems under in-situ conditions.

accurate CO2 monitoring using Quantitative joint inversion for large-scale on-shore and off-shore storage applications
The aCQurate project aims to develop a new technology for quantitative CO2 monitoring applicable to large-scale on-shore and off-shore sites, e.g. on the Norwegian Continental Shelf.

Demonstration of soft stimulation treatments of geothermal reservoirs DESTRESS aims at demonstrating different stimulation techniques in order to allow for an economic provision of geothermal energy from low productive reservoirs.

Cooperation in Geothermal energy research Europe-Mexico for development of Enhanced Geothermal Systems and Superhot Geothermal Systems
The GEMex project is a joint effort of a European consortium (24 partners) with a corresponding consortium from Mexico (9 partners). GEMex focusses on resource assessment and characterization based on the combination of novel and conventional technologies at two geothermal systems in the Mexican Volcanic Belt. Concepts for site development will evolve from the project. GEMex is coordinated by GFZ.

Within the joint research project ENavi, the GFZ is looking at strategies for the Wärmewende (heat transition) using case studies and living labs in the metropolitan Berlin-Brandenburg region (Working package 13A, Task 13).

Fracture-dominated development of a deep geothermal reservoir for electricity generation in the North-German Basin – Seismic exploration, concept and well planning at the Groß Schönebeck site – RissDom-A Further investigations at the Geothermal Research Platform Groß Schönebeck are carried out in order to show, if the geothermal potential of the North-German Basin (NGB) can be utilized for electricity generation with a fracture-dominated development of the deep geothermal reservoir in the Rotliegend.

Continuous hybrid cooling using geothermal and solar heat sources and underground storage systems In this project we will demonstrate thermally driven cooling based on renewable energy resources (solar and underground) in Oman.

Novel Productivity Enhancement Concept for a Sustainable Utilization of a Geothermal Resource Within the project SURE the radial water jet drilling (RJD) technology will be investigated and tested as a method to increase the performance of low productive geothermal wells.

Geo-Energy Test Beds for Low Carbon Energy (GETB)

Geothermal Technologies: continuous microgravity monitoring for integrated mass and stress balance analysis in a volcanic geothermal field - contribution for exploitation sustainability in Indonesia and Iceland - MikroGraviMoTiS Mass distribution changes are monitored by simultaneous measurements of spatially distributed high-performance, high-frequency gravitymeters in an operated geothermal field, to better understand the related reservoir processes.

GeoWell (Innovative materials and designs for long-life high-temperature geothermal wells) aims at developing reliable, cost effective and environmentally safe technologies for design, completion and monitoring of high-temperature geothermal wells.

Safety, reliability and controllability are essential elements influencing the public perception and licensing of CO2 storage. Therefore a thorough analysis of leakage mechanisms and threats to the safety and security of storage is a central activity in the MiReCOL project.

Application of diffuse degassing measurements to map permeable fault structures across geothermal systems
The objective of this project in New Zealand is to improve fault zone analysis for the exploration of geothermal systems. It combines two technical approaches of diffuse degassing and emanation measurements at the Earth’s surface.

CO2 post-injection monitoring and post-closure phase at the Ketzin pilot site Since 2004, research on the storage of CO2 in a deep saline aquifer is being conducted at the Ketzin pilot site in Brandenburg. The CO2 injection was successfully carried out between June 2008 and August 2013 and accompanied by one of the world's most extensive monitoring programs.

Integrated Methods for Advanced Geothermal Exploration In November 2013, the four year project IMAGE was launched, harnessing research power of key research institutes in Europe and industrial players to develop novel exploration techniques for geothermal power.

Sustainability concepts for exploitation of geothermal reservoirs in Indonesia – capacity building and methodologies for site deployment - Indonesia The collaboration in methodology and technology development in combination with a training program will support capacity building in geothermal technologies in Indonesia.

The objective of the EU funded project IMPACTS is to develop a sound and comprehensive CO2 quality knowledge base.

Geothermal Binary Power Plant for Indonesia - GeNie Scientists of GFZs International Centre for Geothermal Research and indonesian partner institutions bundle their expertise for the development of a geothermal ORC (Organic Rankine Cycle) demonstration power plant in Indonesia.

Efficiency and reliability of energy systems in urban districts with seasonal energy storage in aquifers (Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage ATES Berlin) The use of aquifers for storage of thermal energy implies a use of both the thermal storage capacity of ground water as well as that of the water-saturated rock. Both heat and cold can be stored. The storage capacity of an aquifer is large compared to other thermal storage systems due its large mass. For this reason, aquifers are often used for seasonal or long-term energy storage.

The planned increase of solar and aeolic within the german energy mix is confronted with large fluctuations in electricity production due to fluctuating saisonal and metereological conditions. A boost of electricity networks' capacity, as well as of the technology for conversion and storage of excess electricity is therefore extremely important. Given the current german energy mix, which is mainly sustained by electrification of fossil fuels and controlled nuclear fission, the storage of large amounts of energy has not been a relevant issue.

This project aims at closing thermodynamic data gaps (Pitzer-parameters) and provides a first step towards selection and application of reactive transport models, applicable to geothermal and particularly to highly saline reservoirs (e.g. in the North-German Basin).

The three-year European SiteChar project (FP7), dedicated to set the criteria for characterisation of sites for geological storage of CO2, was launched in January 2011.

In this project, new exploration methods in underground construction are developed, tested and adapted to the specific needs of this environment.

CO₂CARE deals with the development of technologies and procedures to ensure a safe and sustainable closure of CO₂ storage sites.

Since 2004, research on the storage of CO₂ in a deep saline aquifer is being conducted at the Ketzin pilot site in Brandenburg. The CO₂ injection was successfully carried out between June 2008 and August 2013 and accompanied by one of the world's most extensive monitoring program.

The project is part of the Helmholtz - Alberta - Initiative between the University of Alberta and the Helmholtz Association. It will investigate the potential of EGS development in the basin and basement of the province of Alberta.

In the frame of the Helmholtz-Alberta-Initiative (HAI) / Theme 3 (CO₂ storage) we focus on the methodological development of cost-efficient monitoring technologies for the qualitative and quantitative surveillance of the CO₂ plume propagation in the underground.

The geothermal energy potential in Denmark – reservoir properties, temperature dis-tribution, and models for utilization. The project aims study the geological constraints for the district heating infrastructure in Denmark.

Advanced process understanding of engineered geothermal systems is a prerequisite to optimize plant reliability and economy. In the frame of the MiProTherm project microbial, geochemical and mineralogical aspects of geothermal groundwater systems are investigated. While the main focus of the project is on characterisation of indigenous microbial communities and changes of their activity due to plant operation, the monitoring of geochemical and biogeochemical parameters also allows for process analysis.

The project GEISER (Geothermal Engineering Integrated Mitigation of Induced Seismicity in Geothermal Reservoirs), co-funded by the European Commission, is coordinated by the ICGR within the GFZ.

Geothermal utilization in low-enthalpy settings and determination of thermal rock properties in Denmark; cooperation with the Danish project “The geothermal energy potential in Denmark – reservoir properties, temperature distribution, and models for utilization” at GEUS

The "Toolbox for Applied Seismic Tomography" will make the most advanced methods of seismic full waveform inversion accessible to a broad range of users.

In the framework of the collaborative project GeoEn, we are addressing questions about exploration, drilling and reservoir technologies, corrosion phenomena and system components for geothermal utilization.

The project aims to optimize the energetic use of biomass and to enhance its sustainability. It focuses on further development of biogas technology in variety of substrates and process control ecological and economic evaluation of the enhanced technologies. The framework for the use of biogenic residues needs to be improved. The profit of a biogas plant increases by the efficiency of the technology. In this context early warning systems in terms of process failures will be developed. They will allow the use of a variable substrate mix and provide a high performance operation.

The relevancy of alternative energy resources is still increasing because of limited fossil fuels and the negative effects of climate change due to the accumulation of CO2 in the atmosphere. Therefore the utilization of subsurface stored energy arouses increasing interest of scientists. The research project AquiScreen investigates the operational reliability of geothermal used groundwater systems under microbial, geochemical, mineralogical, and petrologic aspects. The screening on the 8 different geothermal systems aims to identify the decisive parameters for the monitoring.

The Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) "Marktanreizprogramm" program for renewable energies is an essential supporting measure for market penetration of renewable energies in the heat sector. The "Marktanreizprogramm" is being continuously scientifically evaluated in order to monitor the effects of measures. On behalf of BMU, the evaluation period 2009-2011 is coordinated by Fichtner. GFZ is working within this project in the field of deep geothermal plants.

The CO₂ storage operations at Ketzin are monitored by a broad range of different seismic surveys. Repeated 3D seismic surface measurements are an important constituent of these surveys.

The goals of the collaborative research and development project CLEAN (CO2 Large-Scale Enhanced Gas Recovery in the Altmark Natural Gas Field) are to research opportunities for the mobilization of natural gas volumes that are not conventionally extractable and to increase knowledge about the geological storage of CO2 in nearly exhausted natural gas fields.

The European HITI project aims to provide geophysical and geochemical sensors and methods to evaluate deep geothermal wells up to supercritical conditions (T>380°C). Supercritical geothermal wells are presently non-conventional but may provide a very efficient way to produce electricity from a clean, renewable source.

The main emphasis is placed on the characterisation of the underground processes, including physico-chemical reactions as well as microbial reactions between gas (either dissolved in water or in the supercritical state), fluid, and the mineral content of the reservoir rock and the cap rock. In order to investigate processes in the deep biosphere that will occur between injected CO2, the rock substrate and the microorganisms, the PCR SSCP method (PCR–Single-Strand-Conformation Polymorphism-Based Genetic Profiles of Small-Subunit rRNA Genes) is used.

The LOW-BIN project aims in improving cost-effectiveness, competitiveness and market penetration of geothermal electricity generation schemes, targeting both hydrothermal resources for immediate market penetration and future hot dry rock systems, by: - Widening market perspectives of geothermal Rankine Cycle power generation by developing a unit that can generate electricity from low temperature geothermal resources, with temperature threshold for profitable operation at 65 °C , compared with 90-100 ° C of existing units. - Developing a Rankine Cycle machine for cogeneration of heat and power by heat recovery from the cooling water circuit.

The project I-GET is aimed at developing an innovative geothermal exploration approach based on advanced geophysical methods. The objective is to improve the detection, prior to drilling, of fluid bearing zones in naturally and/or artificially fractured geothermal reservoirs. This new approach will be tested in four European geothermal systems with different geological and thermodynamic reservoir characteristics: two high enthalpy (metamorphic and volcanic rocks), one middle enthalpy geothermal system (deep sedimentary rocks), and one low enthalpy geothermal system (shallow sedimentary rocks).

The contribution of geothermal energy is a key factor to the successful achievement of the objectives of the European Commission concerning the development of renewable and sustainable energy. The concept of Unconventional Geothermal Resources and in particular Enhanced Geothermal Systems examines ways of increasing the potential of geothermal power generation through (i) exploring new types of reservoirs for heat exchange (Hot Dry Rock, supercritical fluids..), (ii) enlarging the extent of productive geothermal fields by stimulating permeability, (iii) enhancing the viability of current and potential hydrothermal areas by stimulation technology and improving thermodynamic cycles.

The CO₂SINK (CO₂ Storage by Injection into a Natural saline aquifer at Ketzin) integrated project aims to advance the understanding of the science and practical processes involved in underground storage of CO₂ to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. The consortium running this EU project consists of 18 partners from universities, research institutes and industry out of 9 European countries.

Co-digestion is a four stage process. Organic waste and sewage sludge or renewable primary products and manure are degraded by microorganisms to methane and carbon dioxide. There are two profits: The digested sludge is a valuable fertilizer or soil conditioner and the gas generates renewable energy.

The main objective of the research project is the development of methods for optimising the operation of individual components as well as of the entire energy system. Eventually the results will be used to develop concepts for future energy supply systems including Aquifer Energy Storage Systems.

The northwestern Great Basin (NGB) in the western USA hosts abundant, generally amagmatic geothermal activity. Significant geothermal exploration is ongoing, but controls on fluid flow in the geothermal systems are generally poorly understood. In collaboration with the UNR, we will contribute to the characterization of fractured reservoir rocks in order to understand the structural controls on fluid flow.

The goal of the subproject conducted by the International Centre for Geothermal Research (IGC) at the German Research Centre for Geosciences is the determination of the stability and efficiency of the inhibitors at reservoir-like conditions. Additionally, the degradation pattern of the inhibitors in natural and synthetic fluids will be characterized.

Auswertung der GEOTECHNOLOGIEN-Projekte zum Thema sichere geologische CO2-Speicherung zur Untersetzung des Kohlendioxid-Speicherungsgesetz (KSpG).

Within in the scope of the joint project BRINE the synergetic utilisation of CO2 storage and geothermal heat production of a saline aquifer in Eastern Brandenburg was investigated. One of the main objectives was to design an integrated geophysical monitoring system, consisting of geoelectrics, electromagnetics and magnetotellurics, to observe possible saltwater migration within the reservoir.

The Rotliegend of the North German basin is the target reservoir of an interdisciplinary investigation program to develop a technology for the generation of geothermal electricity from low-enthalpy reservoirs. An in-situ downhole laboratory was established in the 4,3 km deep well Groß Schönebeck with the purpose of developing appropriate stimulation methods to increase permeability of deep aquifers by enhancing or creating econdary porosity and flow paths. The goal is to learn how to enhance the inflow performance of a well from a variety of rock types in low permeable geothermal reservoirs.

At the in situ research lab Groß Schönebeck all steps of geothermal technology development - from reservoir access to energy conversion in the power plant - are investigated.

At Groß Schönebeck a geothermal borehole doublet has successfully been hydraulically stimulated, the proof of concept of a sustainable production and injection of thermal waters from deep sedimentary geothermal reservoirs shall exemplary be led.

The continuous fluid production essential for an economic energy provision can strongly be affected by corrosion. In order to realise both, reliable geothermal plant design and its operation, all potentially occurring corrosion processes must be understood comprehensively.

Experiences from existing geothermal plants and projects show that energy provision from deep geothermal reservoirs is feasible in Germany at various locations. However, it is evident that there still exist numerous challenges regarding planning and operation of plants. The next step for further geothermal development, therefore, is to improve the quality and confidence of both the planning process and operation as well as the competitiveness of geothermal installations.