6th Knowledge Transfer of the Geothermal-Alliance Bavaria

The 6th knowledge transfer of the Geothermal Alliance Bavaria took place on March 31, 2022 . The knowledge transfer again offered a platform for exchange between academic and industry representatives in the field of deep geothermal energy. This year the interest in the online event was particularly high, with about 150 participants. Different aspects were presented and discussed in three forums, each with three interesting lectures.

The first forum focused on the role of heating networks in the success of the energy transition. Dr. Maximilian Keim (GAB) showed the potential of deep geothermal energy in the Bavarian Molasse Basin in combination with heat grids and long-distance heat transport. Heat transport needed because heat demand and supply are often spatially separated. In the second presentation, Prof. Dr. Dominikus Bücker (Rosenheim University of Applied Sciences) presented results of the Nemo project, in which cost-effective monitoring methods for district heating networks are being investigated. Then Christine Cröniger (Stadtwerke München) explained Stadtwerke München’s district heating strategy for a holistic energy transition.

In the second forum, the sustainable management of the geothermal reservoir and monitoring were discussed. Felix Schölderle (GAB, TUM) showed possibilities for monitoring the reservoir through fiber optic cables using the example of the Schäftlarnstraße project in Munich. Afterwards, Johannes Großmann (Landesamt für Umwelt) presented the new Geological Data Act and how the data is used at LfU for 3D subsurface models. In the third presentation of the forum, Dr. Ernesto Meneses Rioseco (Leibniz Institute for Applied Geophysics) presented results of modeling geothermal doublets in sedimentary hot aquifers and their application for optimization.

The third forum was dedicated to innovations in geothermal energy production and use. Andreas Gahr (AIC Hörmann GmbH & Co KG) presented the planned Eavor loop in Geretsried. Dr. Wolfgang Bauer (GAB, FAU) presented the status of exploration for an EGS project in a expected granite body in Franconia. Finally, Christopher Schifflechner (GAB, TUM) explained how CO2 could be used as a heat carrier in petrothermal geothermal systems.

We would like to thank all speakers for providing such exciting insights into their work!

And we thank all participants for the great interest and the many contributions to the discussion!