Germany Uncovers New Geothermal Energy Potential Near Weisweiler Coal Plant
Germany maybe found a new source of renewable energy
As the Weisweiler lignite power plant prepares for its 2029 shutdown, we drilled two exploratory wells to test deep geothermal potential for Aachen's district heating. Our findings in the Inde Syncline reveal promising thermal reservoirs and updated geological models, marking a crucial first step toward replacing coal with renewable heat in the Rhenish Lignite Mining Area.
The development of medium-deep and deep geothermal reservoirs could be a partial solution to provide renewable heat to single buildings, residential or commercial neighbourhoods, or districts of the city of Aachen via the existing district heating network.
- lantry
Title makes it sound like a new method of generating energy was discovered, but really the article is about using geothermal in a new location.
> The development of medium-deep (>400 m) and deep geothermal reservoirs (> 1,500 m) could be a partial solution to provide renewable heat to single buildings, residential or commercial neighbourhoods, or districts of the city of Aachen via the existing district heating network.
- markkitti
They found some potential geothermal wells near where they were previously mining.
- IceHegel
I have always wondered about the origins of the anti nuclear opinion of Germans.
It has Cold War origins to be sure, but what kind?
I suspect American intelligence has been supporting the anti nuclear movement for some time, for non-proliferation reasons - and not just in Germany. I certainly would be, if I ran the State Department.
- panzi
Here a German podcast episode not about this publication, but in general about geothermal power in Germany:
https://erdeumwelt.podigee.io/11-erdwarme
If you speak German it's very interesting. Sounds like we should build more geothermal power plants.
- senectus1
curiousity question: does removing the heat from a geothermal well create unintendeed side effects?
- atmosx
I thought they found vibranium. Shame…
- josefritzishere
Geothermal is great, but it's not new. Is this just a misleading headline?
- sandalwarrior
They found it in the pockets of the taxpayers.