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Geo-energy systems
Lower Saxony has the potential to play a pioneering role in the transition to a sustainable energy supply. Its geographical location and geological settings make it an ideal location for the use of geo-energy systems. This joint research platform aims to showcase the use of geoenergy systems for an effective and sustainable energy supply using renewable energies.
The research platform was applied for by Clausthal University of Technology, Leibniz University Hannover, University of Göttingen, the Institute for Solar Energy Research in Hamelin (ISFH) and the LIAG Institute for Applied Geophysics.
The platform's speakers are Prof. Dr. Leonhard Ganzer (Clausthal University of Technology) and Prof. Dr. Insa Neuweiler (Leibniz University Hannover). The coordinator is Dr.-Ing. Birger Hagemann (Clausthal University of Technology).
Goals, methods and innovation areas
Motivation and research approach
Lower Saxony aims to play a leading role in the utilization of georeservoirs, with national and international visibility. By pooling the activities of leading scientific and technical state institutions and companies, the aim is to address unresolved research challenges that have so far been an obstacle to the sustainable and economic use of Lower Saxony's unique geological features.
The technical feasibility, optimization and opportunities for gas and heat storage as well as geothermal use will be investigated using the Geoenergy Lab Burgwedel as an example. To this end, we will initially create a 3D model of the Geoenergy Lab Burgwedel based on available data. By carrying out experimental investigations in the laboratory and by numerical simulation studies, we will identify risks and optimize gas and heat storage.
The aim of the research platform is to improve the supply of energy from photovoltaics and wind power by storing it as thermal and chemical energy in porous formations. We aim to reduce uncertainties and risks in order to provide economically and ecologically viable options. Work on the platform's projects will be carried out at the research site near Burgwedel and the results will be transferable to other sites with similar geological conditions.
Innovation Areas
| Name | Research approaches |
| I. Reuse and Gas Storage | With over 50% of the energy stored, Lower Saxony is the leader in underground gas storage in Germany. It offers great potential for expanding storage capacity, especially for hydrogen. |
| II. Geothermal Energy and Heat Storage | Using the Geoenergy Lab Burgwedel as a reference, the potential for the joint use of geothermal energy, solar thermal energy and high-temperature heat pumps is to be investigated in order to support the heat transition. |
| III. Management and Optimization | In this innovation area, numerical models will be used to optimize geothermal energy and gas storage and to quantify uncertainties. The aim is to create a digital tool that achieves a good balance between efficiency and accuracy. |
Innovation Area I - Reuse and Gas Storage
The federal government's National Hydrogen Strategy 2020 highlights hydrogen as a key element of the energy transition. By 2030, Germany will be able to produce around 20 TWh of green hydrogen per year, but demand will rise to 100 TWh. A suitable transportation infrastructure and storage options will therefore become essential.
Innovation Area II - Geothermal Energy and Heat Storage
Geothermal energy is an important renewable heat source, but deep geothermal energy in Lower Saxony falls short of its application potential due to high investment costs and a high exploration risk. Near-surface and medium-depth geothermal energy in combination with the use of heat pumps is a good alternative, as the investment costs are in an optimal balance with the exploration risk and energy yield.
Innovation Area III - Management and Optimization
Given the high investment costs and the associated high risks, optimizing the use of the subsurface for energy storage or as an energy source is an important concern. Social dynamics play an important role in the evaluation of these risks. Identifying and assessing them is crucial to ensure that subsurface use is both safe and environmentally friendly.