GAB project meeting in November 2024 (source: GAB).
Welcome to the Geothermal Alliance Bavaria
The Bavarian Molasse Basin is one of the most important regions for geothermal energy use in Germany, thanks to its exceptionally favorable geological conditions. The special properties of the subsoil—from highly permeable limestone layers to optimal temperature gradients—create ideal conditions for the sustainable, reliable, and economically attractive use of deep geothermal energy.
To provide the best possible scientific support for the potential there, three Bavarian universities, the Technical University of Munich (TUM), the Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), and the University of Bayreuth (UBT), joined forces under the umbrella of the Geothermal Alliance Bavaria (GAB) to pool research needs and clarify open scientific questions relating to deep geothermal energy. In 2020, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) and Munich University of Applied Sciences (HM) joined the alliance.
The GAB pools research needs in deep geothermal energy and works to clarify scientific questions along the entire geothermal value chain. This is based on an interdisciplinary research approach that brings engineers and geoscientists together, enabling them to look beyond the boundaries of individual disciplines.
In addition to research within the Geothermal Alliance Bavaria, exchange between plant operators and scientists plays a central role. A strong network allows valuable operational experience to be shared and directly transferred into research and practice.
The project management team at the GAB has established a series of events called “Knowledge Transfer” for this purpose. It serves as an open platform for experts from science, industry, and local authorities who want to exchange information on current developments, challenges, and best practices.
Further information on this series and other GAB events and activities can be found in the menu under Events.
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The research areas of GAB 3.0 are shown here in an abstract representation of current deep geothermal energy utilization options. Hydrothermal systems in deep and medium-depth reservoirs are monitored during operational optimization, and EGS is being tested in demonstration plants. Closed-loop systems are addressed implicitly (source: GAB).
Schematic representation of the tasks of the Geothermal Alliance Bavaria (source: GAB)
In its third funding phase (2025–2028), GAB 3.0 will accompany the entire development process of geothermal projects in five subprojects, taking into account the different degrees of practical maturity of the respective plant types:
2. Cross-scale reservoir modeling
Alumni and students in the Master’s program in Geothermal Energy/GeoEnergy in dialogue (source: GAB)
Master’s program in Geothermal Energy/GeoEnergy
The joint degree master’s program in Geothermal Energy/GeoEnergy offered by Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg and the Technical University of Munich provides comprehensive knowledge about the use, development, and evaluation of geothermal energy resources. The program covers the entire spectrum of deep geothermal energy and promotes an innovative, interdisciplinary understanding of geoenergy.
In addition to the regular courses, topic- and method-oriented summer and field schools, workshops, and publicly accessible seminars are offered, which address current developments in geothermal energy and provide practical experience.
Teaching draws on the broad expertise of a total of seven faculties at FAU, TUM, and LMU, as well as contributions from external experts from industry and practice. Close ties to GAB ensure that the latest research findings are incorporated directly into the curriculum and that students can participate in ongoing research projects while still studying.
As knowledge multipliers, students can make a significant contribution to improving public understanding of deep geothermal energy and promoting an energy-conscious and technology-open attitude among the general public.
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