Geothermal Day inspires professionals and the public

At this year’s Geothermal Day, nearly 1,000 visitors came to the GEOZENTRUM Hannover. Through talks and exhibits, the LIAG Institute for Applied Geophysics and its partners showcased the opportunities offered by geothermal energy.

There was strong interest in the LIAG measurement truck—the “longest thermometer in Germany,” capable of delivering data from depths of up to six kilometres. Prof. Dr. Inga Moeck, Head of the System Integration Department at LIAG and Professor at the University of Göttingen, also outlined the advantages and limitations of different geothermal development and production schemes to help build public understanding.

Minister Tonne visits LIAG 

A highlight was the visit by Grant Hendrik Tonne, Lower Saxony’s Minister for Economic Affairs. He was briefed on the state of research and the potential of geothermal energy for the state.

Professor Inga Moeck presented current results and developments:

• WärmeGut: A unified geothermal map for Germany
  
  Within the WärmeGut project, the LIAG Institute for Applied Geophysics and partners have published the first nationwide map—using a simple traffic-light system—indicating where ground-source heat pumps with borehole heat exchangers can be installed. Available to the public via the Geothermal Information System (GeotIS), it supports planning by municipalities, companies, and citizens.

• Ahnsbeck: First deep-geothermal well in Lower Saxony
  
  Also presented was the successful deep-geothermal well in Ahnsbeck (Celle district). At a depth of 2,500 metres, temperatures of around 113 °C were measured—a strong indicator of the usability of deep geothermal energy in Lower Saxony.

Message for the heat transition

Professor Moeck emphasised: geothermal energy is a key pillar of the energy transition in heat. While WärmeGut provides vital planning foundations, projects like Ahnsbeck demonstrate that deep geothermal is practically feasible. The LIAG Institute for Applied Geophysics will continue to expand its research into shallow and deep geothermal energy to support Lower Saxony and Germany on the path to a climate-friendly energy supply.

Hannover as a hotspot for deep geothermal

At Geothermal Day, the LIAG Institute for Applied Geophysics presented its research directly alongside Enercity and Eavor—both advancing innovative deep-geothermal concepts in Hannover. This constellation makes one thing clear: Hannover is emerging as a focal location for the heat transition.

From LIAG’s fundamental and applied research through to industrial pilot projects and municipal heat supply, key players here are working hand in hand. Hannover shows how the opportunities of deep geothermal can be put into practice—for Lower Saxony and as a model region beyond.

Further information

• WärmeGut geothermal map (LIAG news)

Contact
Prof. Dr. Inga Moeck, inga.moeck@liag-institut.de
Greta Clasen, presse@liag-institut.de (Press and Public Relations)