WärmeGut (since 2023)
Topic
Development of a data collection method to enable comprehensive, period-specific reporting on the use of shallow geothermal energy in Germany.
Client
Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Environmental Protection (BMWK)
Funding announcement, June 2021: Goal of nationwide expansion of shallow geothermal energy use
Duration
January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2025
Research Context and Project Objective
To date, the majority of analyses related to shallow geothermal energy have focused on presenting geological potential to identify site-specific conditions and legal permissibility, thereby providing potential users with a basis for their project planning. However, as the number of new geothermal energy users continues to grow, the question arises as to the extent (number and capacity of geothermal energy systems) and the locations where usage is expanding.
Simply tracking the number of heat pumps sold, for example, is insufficient, as this does not capture either the capacity or the location. In addition, the BMWK’s general expansion goals are hampered by a multitude of regulatory, bureaucratic, and market-related obstacles.
The aim of the project is therefore to develop a data collection method to enable monitoring of shallow geothermal energy usage and to document shallow geothermal energy output in MWh. To this end, the following will be outlined:
Simply tracking the number of heat pumps sold, for example, is insufficient, as this does not capture either the capacity or the location. In addition, the BMWK’s general expansion goals are hampered by a multitude of regulatory, bureaucratic, and market-related obstacles.
The aim of the project is therefore to develop a data collection method to enable monitoring of shallow geothermal energy usage and to document shallow geothermal energy output in MWh. To this end, the following will be outlined:
- what data on shallow geothermal energy has been collected by regulatory authorities to date,
- what additional technical and organizational options exist for tracking the use of shallow geothermal energy,
- and which stakeholders must be involved.
Project Partners
- Leibniz Institute for Applied Geophysics (LIAG)
- Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR)
- geoENERGIE Konzept GmbH
- the State Geological Services of the German states (associated partners)
Contact