The Geothermal Alliance Bavaria includes the Technical University of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich University of Applied Sciences, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, and the University of Bayreuth. Together, they are working on innovative and sustainable solutions to challenges in the area of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS). EGS is a technology for harnessing geothermal energy by enhancing the natural potential of underground heat reservoirs. Unlike conventional geothermal systems, which rely on natural hot water or steam sources, EGS uses hot, dry rock with little to no water reserves.
The total funding amounts to €8.46 million, of which €500,000 will go to the University of Bayreuth. At ZET, the focus is on plant technology and system optimisation. A key aspect of this work is the integration of large-scale heat pumps into geothermal systems. This approach not only avoids the need for costly drilling but also enables renewable peak load coverage and the utilisation of medium-depth heat sources (with temperatures below 60°C).
Researchers at ZET recently published a study highlighting the significant potential of integrating large-scale heat pumps into geothermal energy systems and district heating networks. They demonstrated how this integration can efficiently and cost-effectively expand the thermal capacity of renewable systems. For the baseline scenario examined in the study, the levelised cost of heat was calculated at €68 per MWh, confirming the high economic viability of large-scale heat pumps in geothermal applications.
Another important component of the alliance’s research at ZET is the life cycle assessment of geothermal systems. Detailed life cycle analyses are conducted to evaluate the sustainability of heat production through geothermal energy.
From 2025, the alliance’s research will be divided into these sub-projects: geological exploration, multi-scale reservoir modelling, seismic risk mitigation, system optimisation, and flexible plant technology. As in previous funding phases, there will be a close exchange of input data, operational data, and research results with plant operators—ensuring a strong link between research and practice. (Alliance website: https://geothermie-allianz.de/)
