The shift towards renewable energies makes the exploration and efficient use of sustainable geoenergy sources such as geothermal energy essential. This requires in-depth knowledge of the geothermal and geological conditions at specific locations. By measuring, assessing, and providing geothermal data, and by investigating physical processes in geothermal systems, our section lays an important foundation for this task. The goal of our research is to minimise the risk of unsuccessful exploration and development of geothermal reservoirs, in order to ensure reliable technical and financial planning and to strengthen public acceptance of geothermal energy systems. This aims to promote the meaningful use of geothermal energy, particularly for heat supply.

Our work is particularly focused on project-oriented research in connection with operational projects. The strategic research focus of the section therefore directly reflects the questions arising from the ongoing energy transition and the associated need for site-specific use of the subsurface for sustainable resource production and storage. Accordingly, the section is involved in extensive geothermal exploration and development in Munich in cooperation with Stadtwerke München, in the development of new utilisation concepts for the southern German Molasse Basin at the reference site in Geretsried, in the advancement of geothermal exploration methods for the Ruhr region in cooperation with the International Geothermal Centre at Bochum University of Applied Sciences, and in the development of geothermal development strategies in the Leine Valley Graben on the campus of our partner university in Göttingen.

Our research focuses on the development of site-specific exploration methods, the numerical representation of multi-scale coupled processes triggered by the use of the geological subsurface, and the development of interactive geoscientific information systems. These research activities are structured into three methodological areas:

• Geothermal system analysis

• Mathematical modelling and simulation

• Information systems and digitalisation

The research division continues a more than 70-year tradition of geothermal research at the institute and its predecessor organisations. This long-standing research activity has led to a globally unique collection of data, which has enabled the development of one of the most comprehensive publicly accessible geothermal information systems: GeotIS.

Our research activities and results are integrated into international networks such as the International Energy Agency (IEA), which is used by the German Federal Government to support the internationalisation of the energy transition.