Near-surface geothermal energy already supplies more than 400,000 buildings in Germany, but it is reaching its limits precisely where the heat requirement is greatest: in densely built-up cities.
(Photo: dpa)
Berlin Ron Zippelius is standing on a gravel path in front of a site fence. Behind it rises a derrick, 38 meters high and capable of drilling up to 5000 meters into the earth. A sandstone is hidden in the depths, in which Deutsche ErdWärme GmbH suspects hot thermal water.
The drilling work is almost complete and the preliminary studies give hope for a successful result. Nevertheless, there is a risk that the well will remain dry or that not enough thermal water will be found. “It’s a moment of truth,” admits press spokesman Zippelius. “It still tingles, yes. Definitely.”
The proponents of geothermal heat like to emphasize the physical facts: In the middle of our planet there is a core made of metal with a temperature of up to 6000 degrees Celsius, with the mantle above it. On the very outside follows the crust, as thin as an eggshell in comparison and a few kilometers below the surface still warmer than 100 degrees Celsius.
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