Researchers aim to determine geothermal potential more accurately
Using new models, simulation tools, and AI-based analyses, researchers aim to reduce geological uncertainties and facilitate the integration of geothermal energy into heating networks.
August 13, 2026
Source: E & M powernews
The research project, called “R3Chain,” is studying limestone formations along the Rhine and Ruhr rivers. New models and digital tools are intended to make geothermal projects easier to plan in the future.
A new research project aims to improve the planning of deep geothermal systems in the Rhine-Ruhr region, according to the Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Infrastructure and Geotechnologies (IEG). In the “R3Chain” project, scientists plan to study underground limestone formations and use the findings to develop potential maps, simulation tools, and software for integrating geothermal heat into heating networks.
The focus is on Carboniferous carbonate limestones and Devonian mass limestones. Areas where karstification and fractures allow for high hydraulic permeability are particularly interesting for geothermal use, the researchers write. However, these structures also make it difficult to predict how much water can be extracted from a reservoir and what thermal output will be available in the long term.
In addition to the geological structure, the project investigates the interactions between rock and the fluids present in the subsurface. Minerals can dissolve along fractures and karst surfaces or precipitate there. Under certain circumstances, such processes alter the flow properties of the reservoir during operation. This can also change the usable heat content and the heat extraction capacity. Furthermore, precipitates can affect the technical components of a geothermal plant.
R3Chain aims to quantify these processes and incorporate them into project planning. “The goal of the project is to quantify these dynamics and develop tools that will enable better planning of the technical and economic use of carbonate rock for regional heat supply,” explained project manager Katharina Alms from Fraunhofer IEG.
Potential Map for the Rhine-Ruhr Region
As a starting point, the project partners plan to consolidate existing geological and hydrogeological information into a database. This will be supplemented by experimental analyses of rock samples from the Rhine-Ruhr region. The focus here is particularly on the interactions between rock and fluids.
The results will be used to create a potential map identifying areas with suitable conditions for deep geothermal energy. With this, the scientists aim to establish a basis for narrowing down potential sites as early as the initial project phases. The map will combine geological and hydrogeological findings with the results of the experimental studies.
Another focus is on simulation tools. Fraunhofer IEG plans to expand its “PyDoublet” software. In the future, the program will calculate the thermal output and heat content of fracture and karst conduits, taking into account the processes relevant to the carbonate rocks under investigation.
At the same time, the project team is developing a deep geothermal module for the “Pandapipes” heating network software. This will enable researchers to investigate how geothermal heat can be integrated into existing or planned heating networks. The work thus combines the modeling of the underground reservoir with issues related to heat supply.
AI to Make Project Data Accessible
The results will ultimately be incorporated into an AI-powered chatbot. This chatbot will access the project’s databases, potential maps, and simulation results to provide localized analyses. This will enable network operators and energy suppliers to retrieve information on potential geothermal projects.
The project team aims, in particular, to support early feasibility assessments. Among other things, users will be able to determine the costs of integrating geothermal heat as well as possible ranges for heating costs.
Participants in the collaborative project include Fraunhofer IEG, Ruhr University Bochum, and the Technical University of Berlin. The project advisory board consists of the Geological Survey, Stadtwerke Wuppertal, and the concurrently funded Carbscale project. R3Chain will run until April 30, 2029. According to Fraunhofer IEG, the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR) is providing approximately 2.1 million euros in funding for the project.
Author: Heidi Roider
