New map on deep geothermal energy online
Over 150 projects with up to 2,000 MW in planning
20.02.2025
Source: E & M powernews
More than 150 plants with a combined capacity of up to 2,000 MW: the new map "Deep Geothermal Projects in Germany" illustrates the development of geothermal energy use.
The German Geothermal Energy Association (BVG) has published a new edition of the map of Germany on the status of the use and development of geothermal energy. According to the map, 42 deep geothermal plants are currently in operation. According to the BVG, 16 plants are under construction.
There are 155 plants in planning - not counting thermal baths. They are expected to supply between 1,000 and 2,000 MW of heat and in some cases also generate electricity. The number of "exploration permits" has almost doubled in the past two years; in January 2023, the Geothermal Energy Association counted 82 such permits.
Of the 42 plants in operation, 31 supply heat only, 9 provide heat and electricity and 2 generate electricity alone. The BVG puts the installed heat output at 408 MW and the installed electrical output at 55 MW. In addition to the production plants, there are 8 research plants throughout Germany. The map of Germany also shows 170 thermal baths.
Geothermal map of Germany
Source: BVG
"The potential for geothermal energy in Germany is immense. The use of natural thermal water deposits alone with the help of deep geothermal energy could cover around a quarter of Germany's heating and cooling requirements in the future," says BVG Managing Director Gregor Dilger. If, as planned, deep geothermal energy is expanded to 10 billion kWh by 2030, as envisaged by the outgoing German government, "around 24,000 new jobs could be created in Germany, 34 million tons of CO2 could be avoided and import costs for fossil fuels of up to 9 billion euros could be saved".
The association expects "a clear expansion strategy for the use of all geothermal technologies and improvements to the framework conditions with expansion targets for deep, medium-depth and near-surface geothermal energy" from the next German government.
The map of Germany on geothermal energy is updated annually, and the digital version is also updated during the year.
Author: Manfred Fischer
