The latest study examines the potential of hydrothermal geothermal energy for  combined heat and power (CHP) in Germany. The analysis provides a well-founded overview of the existing geothermal power plants and their thermodynamic and economic performance. Based on the theoretical potential of hydrothermal heat, the technical and economic potential is determined from an inventory and analysis of the existing geothermal plants. For this purpose, the thermodynamic and economic performance of the power plants in operation were analyzed and models for efficiency and production costs were developed. Based on this analysis, a technical potential of 12.2 PWh and 16.7 PWh and an economic potential of 9.1 PWh and 12.5 PWh were determined. In order to derive an annual contribution from the economic potential, the regeneration of the resource was taken into account.

The assessment of the geothermal potential in Germany is necessary for political decisions, especially with regard to future adjustments to the feed-in prices specified in the EEG.

The study was recently published in the influential journal ‘ Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews ‘.