Challenges

The long-term objective "Geothermal Technology" of the research to provide a stable supplement to other seasonal variable renewable sources of energy. Within the framework of the programme, research focuses on the identification of geological structures (exploration) suitable for geothermal exploitation, on the development of methods for stimulating geological formations to increase fluid productivity, and on the examination of measures for the long-term and cost-effective extraction of the energy. The programme also includes the development of process technology for the effective installation of geothermal power plants, and for monitoring the operation of all aspects of the system. While conventional energy resources continue to wane, the demand for energy increases globally. In view of an impending critical shortage of energy, the development of geothermal technologies will be an essential contribution towards a future energy source. As such geothermal technology can be seen as one of precautionary research measures.
Innovative geothermal technology, once developed, can be employed at national as well as at European and worldwide scale, and through transfer of know-how and technology will contribute to boosting Germany's economic power.