New Geothermal Technology Trial in German Town Signals Future of Clean Energy

Geretsried becomes test bed for innovative geothermal power solution, with hopes to replace fossil fuels with sustainable energy

Residents of Geretsried, a small German town located south of Munich, have long dreamed of powering their homes and businesses with clean, sustainable geothermal energy instead of relying on fossil fuels. Their hopes were dashed about 15 years ago when a geothermal drilling project failed to find enough heat close to the surface to make the effort profitable. This failure left the town dependent on natural gas, and for many years, the dream of a geothermal-powered future seemed out of reach.

However, a new generation of geothermal technology is now testing its potential in Geretsried. Unlike traditional geothermal systems that rely on finding hot water near the Earth's surface, the latest approach uses methods developed in the oil and gas industry to drill deep into the Earth's crust and extract heat from dry, hot rock. This next-generation geothermal technology is being implemented by the Canadian company, Eavor, which is launching its first commercial geothermal power plant in Geretsried, marking a significant milestone in the town’s quest for clean energy.

Eavor’s groundbreaking technology is being tested in Geretsried precisely because it failed previously. The geology of the area, once considered too ordinary, is now seen as ideal for this new approach to geothermal power. Eavor’s CEO, John Redfern, explained that demonstrating the technology in Iceland, a country with abundant geothermal resources, would not have been as impactful. Instead, Geretsried offers an opportunity to prove that geothermal energy can be harnessed in less-than-ideal conditions, opening the door for global adoption of geothermal power.

This development aligns with global efforts to shift away from fossil fuels. Germany, in particular, has made a firm commitment to reducing its dependence on coal, oil, and gas, with a strong emphasis on transitioning its heating systems to renewable sources. As heating accounts for a substantial portion of the country’s carbon dioxide emissions, the shift to cleaner energy sources is vital. Furthermore, the geopolitical instability following Russia's invasion of Ukraine has underscored the need for energy independence.

Eavor's project in Geretsried is part of this broader vision. Initially, the plant will generate electricity before expanding to provide heat through a district heating system. District heating involves generating heat in a central location and distributing it through a network of pipes to homes and businesses. While most district heating systems rely on fossil fuels, particularly in countries like China and Russia, geothermal-powered district heating could revolutionize the way heat is distributed, reducing reliance on polluting energy sources.

In addition to Geretsried, Eavor is also working with Hanover, a larger German city, to implement geothermal district heating as part of its effort to phase out coal. Eavor’s technology has also attracted global attention, with companies like Chubu Electric Power Company from Japan investing in the technology. Japan, despite having significant geothermal potential, has few operational geothermal plants, which makes Eavor’s innovation particularly promising.

Eavor’s system works by drilling two vertical wells about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) deep, then branching out to drill multiple lateral wells, creating a closed loop. This “Eavor loop” enables water to circulate through the hot rock, absorbing heat before rising naturally to the surface. The hot water is then used to generate electricity by spinning turbines or distributed via district heating systems to provide warmth to buildings.

The ability to generate clean, renewable energy without emitting greenhouse gases is a key feature of this new geothermal technology. In Geretsried, the project will eventually provide heat to approximately 36,000 homes, while also generating electricity. Eavor does not use hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, to increase the permeability of rock, making the process environmentally friendly and sustainable.

For Geretsried’s mayor, Michael Müller, the project is a vital step towards securing the town’s energy future. “We cannot rely on fossil fuels in the long term,” he said. “We need to address climate change and ensure that we have secure, sustainable energy for the future.”

The success of the Geretsried geothermal project could have far-reaching implications for the global energy landscape. The International Energy Agency (IEA) recently highlighted geothermal energy as a promising solution to the world’s energy needs, noting that technological advancements are unlocking new possibilities for geothermal power. With companies now able to drill deeper than ever before, geothermal energy could become a significant contributor to the global energy mix, helping countries around the world reduce their carbon footprints and transition away from fossil fuels.

As the world continues to seek alternative, sustainable energy solutions, projects like the one in Geretsried represent a pivotal moment in the journey toward cleaner, more secure energy systems for future generations. The success of these new geothermal technologies could ultimately play a crucial role in the fight against climate change, demonstrating that clean energy can be accessible no matter where you are.