Geothermal projects announced in Germany

subscribe

The exploitation of geothermal energy in Germany is progressing at a rapid pace.

Drilling projects to discover possible sites for geothermal power plants are appearing throughout Germany. Five small plants are operational, and others will become operational in the coming years. Normally the power output of these installations in Germany does not exceed the 10megawatt MW capacity.

In Bavaria, Geoenergie Bayern GmbH is developing two projects. One potential site is located in the town of Utting, west of the Ammersee Lake in south Munich. Drilling works started this year in a 45squarekilometer area. The energy output of the plant, which should be operational by the end of 2012 is expected to be 10.4 MW.

Seismic measurements were taken in February for the second project being developed by Geoenergie Bayern. The 87squarekilometer testing field is located in the city of Kirchweidach in the eastern part of the Munich district. At almost 12,000 feet underground, rock formations contain hot water, which could be used to supply the city with heat and energy. Energy output is thought to be about 8 MW. The plant could be operational by 2014.

A third project by the German company was sold to the Munich public utility company Stadtwerke Muenchen. In Sauerlach, located in the south of the Munich district, a 5MW power station is planned. At more than 16,400 feet underground, the water is thought to be about 284 degrees Fahrenheit. The geothermal plant in Sauerlach is scheduled to be operational by 2011.

Potential regions for geothermal developments in Germany are the Molasse Basin in the south of Munich, the Upper Rhine Graben and the North German Plain. The largest geothermal power plant, with 38 MW of thermal capacity and 4 MW of energy output, was built with public finances in Unterhaching in the south of Munich. Other plants are operating in Landau 3 MW, RhinelandPalatinate, NeustadtGlewe 200 kW and MecklenburgWestern Pomerania.

The German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety assumes that the geothermal potential of Germany is about 321 billion kilowatthours per year.

Related News

tunisia renewables

Tunisia invests in major wind farm as part of longterm renewable energy plan

TUNIS - UPC Renewables (UPC) and the Climate Fund Managers (CFM) have partnered to develop a 30 megawatt wind farm in Sidi Mansour, Tunisia that will help the country meet its 30% renewable energy target by 2030.

Tunisia announced the launch of its solar energy plan in 2016, aiming to increase the role of renewables in its electricity generation mix ten-fold to 30%,

This Sidi Mansour Project will help Tunisia meet its goals, reducing its reliance on imported fossil fuels and demonstrating to the world that it is serious about further development of renewable energy investment.

“Chams Enfidha”, the first solar energy station…

READ MORE
wyoming wind farm

Wyoming wind boost for US utility

READ MORE

bill gates

Bill Gates’ Nuclear Startup Unveils Mini-Reactor Design Including Molten Salt Energy Storage

READ MORE

German renewables deliver more electricity than coal and nuclear power for the first time

READ MORE

florida power crews at work

FPL stages massive response to Irma but power may not be back for days or weeks

READ MORE