How Geothermal Energy Shapes Bavaria’s Green Future Through Sustainable Energy

The Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts has extended its funding for the research association “Geothermal Alliance Bavaria,” with the University of Bayreuth (UBT) continuing as a member for an additional four years. During this new funding phase, the Center for Energy Technology (ZET) at UBT will focus on plant technology and system optimization related to geothermal energy.

Collaborative Efforts in Enhanced Geothermal Systems: The Geothermal Alliance Bavaria

The Geothermal Alliance Bavaria is composed of the Technical University of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich University of Applied Sciences, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen/Nuremberg, and the University of Bayreuth (UBT). These institutions are collaborating on innovative and sustainable solutions to address challenges in the field of enhanced geothermal systems (EGS). EGS is a technology designed to harness geothermal energy by enhancing the natural potential of underground heat reservoirs. In contrast to traditional geothermal systems that rely on natural hot water or steam sources, EGS utilizes hot, dry rock that lacks or has insufficient water resources.

The total funding amounts to €8.46 million, with €500,000 allocated to the University of Bayreuth. At the Center for Energy Technology (ZET) of UBT, the focus will be on plant engineering and system optimization. A key aspect of this work involves integrating large-scale heat pumps into geothermal systems. This integration helps avoid costly drilling, enables the provision of renewable peak load coverage, and makes use of medium-deep geothermal potentials (heat sources below 60°C).

Advancing Geothermal Energy: Key Research and Sub-Projects by the Geothermal Alliance Bavaria

Researchers at the Center for Energy Technology (ZET) recently published a scientific paper highlighting the significant potential of integrating large-scale heat pumps into geothermal energy systems and district heating networks. This integration could efficiently and cost-effectively expand the thermal capacity of renewable systems. In the baseline scenario considered, the heat generation costs were 68 €/MWh, demonstrating the high economic efficiency of large heat pumps in geothermal applications.

Another key component of the alliance’s research at ZET is the life cycle assessment of geothermal systems. Comprehensive life cycle assessments will be conducted to evaluate the sustainability of geothermal energy in providing heat supply.

Starting in 2025, the research within the alliance will be organized into the following sub-projects: geological exploration, cross-scale reservoir modeling, seismic risk minimization, system optimization, and flexible plant technology. As in previous funding phases, there will be continuous exchange of input data, real operational data, and research findings with plant operators, ensuring a strong connection with practical applications. (Website of the alliance: https://geothermie-allianz.de/)

Pioneering Sustainable Energy Solutions: The Next Chapter for Geothermal Research

The extension of funding for the “Geothermal Alliance Bavaria” marks a significant step forward in advancing geothermal energy solutions, with the University of Bayreuth (UBT) continuing its pivotal role in this groundbreaking collaboration. With a focus on plant technology and system optimization, particularly through integrating large-scale heat pumps, the research aims to optimize geothermal energy systems, making them more efficient and economically viable. This four-year funding phase will deepen the exploration of enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), opening new possibilities for renewable, sustainable energy. The alliance’s work on life cycle assessments and system flexibility ensures that the geothermal energy sector moves closer to achieving economic and environmental sustainability. As the collaboration evolves, the ongoing exchange of real-world data between researchers and plant operators guarantees that innovative solutions remain grounded in practical, actionable insights, shaping the future of renewable energy.

Original Publication
Jaromir Jeßberger, Florian Heberle, Dieter Brüggemann. Maximising the potential of deep geothermal energy: Thermal output increase by large-scale heat pumps, Applied Thermal Engineering, Volume 257, Part A, 2024, 124240, ISSN 1359-4311

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2024.124240 (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1359431124019082)

Contact
Dr.-Ing. Florian Heberle
Senior Academic Councillor / ZET Managing Director
Chair of Technical Thermodynamics and Transport Processes (LTTT)
Center for Energy Technology (ZET)
University of Bayreuth
Phone: +49 (0)921 / 55-6803
E-Mail: florian.heberle@uni-bayreuth.de
Website: http://www.lttt.uni-bayreuth.de
Website: http://www.zet.uni-bayreuth.de

Media Contact
Theresa Hübner
Deputy Press Spokesperson
University of Bayreuth
Phone: +49 (0) 921 / 55-5357
E-Mail: theresa.huebner@uni-bayreuth.de