mesoTherm
Exploration and development of hydrothermal reservoirs for medium-depth geothermal energy – a contribution to the heat transition in Northern Germany.
The overall objective of the mesoTherm joint project is to minimize the exploration risk of hydrothermal reservoirs in so-called medium-depth geothermal energy, which are available at depths of up to 2,500 m for municipal heat supply in northern Germany and which are of decisive importance in the heat transition. The following focal points are being pursued. (I) Exploration and localization of suitable hydrothermal carbonate reservoirs in northern Germany and characterization of relevant types of discoveries, which are available e.g. in the metropolitan region of Berlin for the heat turnaround. (II) Design of 5-6 site-specific development examples of the fluvio-deltaic channel type for municipal heat supply (heat turnaround), verified by the model site Hamburg-Wilhelmsburg. (III) Development of an innovative seismo-facial exploration methodology for the discoverability type of fluvio-deltaic channel systems, using well data from the Wilhelmsburg Gt 1 well. (IV) Development of a transferable methodology for novel discoverability predictions (POS study), integrating statistical and geological data on a regional scale and validated on the local scale at the Hamburg-Wilhelmsburg model site. (V) Elaboration of the criteria and definition for the so-called medium-depth geothermal energy considering the discovery types of hydrothermal reservoirs. (VI) Verification of the reservoir characteristics and the prediction of the fathomability (AP 2-4) in the Northwest German Plain by means of direct reservoir exploration through the Wilhelmsburg Gt 1 well, the geothermal well of the IW3 real laboratory. In a synthesis, the results of this project are published together with results of previous projects and the discovery types of medium-depth geothermal energy, their development examples as well as reservoir-specific characteristics are presented in a generally understandable way.
Publikationen und wissenschaftliche Beiträge
- Bello-Rujana, L., Franz, M., Lubo-Robles, D. and Moeck, I., 2026. 3D-seismic channel–floodplain geomorphology of the Rhaetian Distributive Fluvial System in the North German Basin: an integrated workflow with machine learning for geothermal prospects.
Geothermics, 135, p.103532. - Franz, M., Bello, L., Hesse, K., Käsbohrer, F., Moeck, I. and Weber, J., 2025. Exploration and development of hydrothermal reservoirs for medium-depth geothermal energy - a contribution to the energy transition in Northern Germany; Sub-projects: Reservoir characterization, seismo-facial exploration, POS study, development examples and definition of medium-depth geothermal energy. Hanover: Technical Information Library
- Käsbohrer, F. and Franz, M., 2024. Geothermal potential of the Rüdersdorf Formation (Schaumkalk, Lower Muschelkalk) in the greater Berlin area: opportunity or not?. Zeitschrift der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Geowissenschaften, 175(3), pp. 457-491.7