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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. In this innovation area, the potential for the joint use of geothermal energy, solar thermal energy and high-temperature heat pumps in Lower Saxony is to be investigated and quantified through an interdisciplinary approach.
Sub-project II.1
Geological potential for solar thermal storage in geothermal probe fields, ATES (Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage) and salt deposits
The geothermal and solar-thermal supply potential in Lower Saxony will be identified and implemented in a Web GIS-based planning tool.
To this end, the geological subsurface will be characterized using inventory data from GeotIS and the LBEG down to an economically justified exploitation depth of around 1,000 m in order to analyze and determine the geological potential for the very first time.
Researchers
Prof. Dr. Inga Moeck
University of Göttingen / LIAG Institute for Applied Geophysics
Dr. Frederico Giovannetti
Institute for Solar Energy Research in Hamelin (ISFH)
Sub-project II.2
Solar regeneration of geothermal systems
Based on four to five representative locations, we will develop a Lower Saxony potential map for an innovative combined regenerative heat supply based on solar thermal and geothermal energy.
To this end, time-specific heat load profiles for the heat supply of districts and municipalities in Lower Saxony will be combined with the planning tool developed in sub-project II.1.
Researchers
Prof. Dr. Inga Moeck
University of Göttingen / LIAG Institute for Applied Geophysics
Dr. Frederico Giovannetti
Institute for Solar Energy Research in Hamelin (ISFH)
Sub-project II.3
Seasonal heat demand, automated geodata analysis
This sub-project seeks to develop automatic methods for determining the suitability of locations and facilities for solar thermal energy as well as the area-wide calculation of heat demand.
To this end, AI methods will be developed that can be applied to publicly available data sources and other specific measurements or data surveys in order to determine the seasonal heat demand.
Researchers
Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil.
Monika Sester
Leibniz University Hannover
Dr. Frederico Giovannetti
Institute for Solar Energy Research in Hamelin (ISFH)
Sub-project II.4
Integrity of geothermal boreholes through the selection of lithology-specific drilling fluids
Through systematic investigations, we intend to minimize the risks regarding economic efficiency and environmental factors when drilling geothermal wells, particularly with regard to the swelling of clay layers and maintaining borehole integrity.
To this end, laboratory tests on the swelling behaviour of clays and cuttings will be carried out in order to subsequently characterize drilling fluids experimentally and to develop a best practice guide for the use of lithology-specific drilling fluids.
Researchers
Prof. Dr. Inga Moeck
University of Göttingen / LIAG Institute for Applied Geophysics
Prof. Dr. Philip Jaeger
Clausthal University of Technology