What is ProPENS?
The ProPENS project internship enables students at the Technical University of Munich to tackle real-world problems in current research and application areas of energy engineering. Working in interdisciplinary teams, participants develop scientifically sound solutions, conduct literature and data analyses, and collaborate closely with researchers and industry partners.
The module is worth a total of 6 ECTS credits and consists of 60 hours of in-person instruction at the department and 120 hours of self-study. As part of the course, students learn to tackle complex problems as a team, define sub-tasks, and prepare scientific reports at a professional level. Another focus is on project management, particularly on developing a timeline and clearly assigning responsibilities within the group. The course assessment consists of a group project during the semester, a written report, and a final presentation followed by a discussion among experts.
Insights into the projects
Financing Geothermal Energy (Winter Semester 2025/26)
This project examined financing models and policy measures aimed at accelerating the development of deep geothermal energy in Germany. The following research question was investigated: Which financing models and fiscal policy measures are best suited to drive the development of deep geothermal energy in the German heating market?
Through this project, the students found that the most effective way to accelerate the expansion of deep geothermal energy in Germany is a combination of public risk-sharing, targeted investment incentives, and stable, long-term heat demand. Since high upfront costs for drilling and geological uncertainties represent the greatest barriers to investment, instruments such as drilling risk funds, low-interest loans, and capital grants are considered indispensable. At the same time, financial modeling shows that securing large industrial heat consumers through long-term heat purchase agreements (HPAs) has the strongest positive effect on the profitability and bankability of projects. Overall, deep geothermal energy should be treated as strategic infrastructure, with strong public sector involvement in both project development and the expansion of district heating networks.
Pictured: The ProPENS Group touring a geothermal power plant.
Promoting Public Acceptance of Next-Generation Geothermal Technologies in Germany: From Scepticism to Support (Summer Semester 2025)
As part of the project, the student team investigated how deep geothermal energy, particularly Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), is perceived by various population groups and which factors influence societal acceptance of these technologies. The goal was to determine which opportunities and risks the public associates with deep geothermal energy and how communication and participation can help build trust in the technology.
The results of the 33 interviews conducted show that acceptance of conventional deep geothermal energy is generally high, while Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) are viewed much more critically due to their association with fracking. The greatest concerns relate to induced seismicity, potential impacts on groundwater, and project costs. At the same time, climate protection, regional energy supply, and independence from fossil fuels were highlighted as key benefits. The study also shows that transparent communication, early public engagement, and clear explanations of technical concepts are crucial for building trust and strengthening societal acceptance of deep geothermal energy in the long term.
Learning through real-world challenges
The project internship offers students the opportunity to tackle current challenges of the energy transition through real-world problems. In the process, they learn to apply appropriate methods for analyzing, planning, and evaluating energy systems and to critically interpret the results. At the same time, this creates a valuable exchange of knowledge for the Bavarian Geothermal Alliance: The students’ new perspectives, scientific analyses, and innovative solutions are directly incorporated into the discussion of current issues surrounding deep geothermal energy.