Article,
Forschungsplattform Groß Schönebeck: Technologieentwicklung für eine effiziente Wärme- und Strombereitstellung aus tiefer Erdwärme
System Erde, 1 (2): 32-43 (2011)
DOI: 10.2312/GFZ.syserde.01.02.3
Abstract
The increased demand for a base-load energy supply from renewable sources and ambitious climate protection goals brought up
the challenge of integrating deep geothermal energy as a key element in the future energy mix. Research is needed with regard to
exploration, development and productivity-enhancing methods to achieve a reliable and economic plant operation. The complexity
of geothermal systems has to be considered using a holistic approach taking into account the whole chain from the development
of the reservoir to the provision of kilowatt-hours generated energy. In Central Europe, the so-called Enhanced Geothermal Systems
(EGS) comprise the prevailing key technology for geothermal power production. EGS are preferentially applied to rock fabrics
that are susceptible to artificial stimulation to improve permeability and increase rock capacity for convective heat exchange. The
GFZ runs a major test site for the development of geothermal technologies in Groß Schönebeck, northeast of Berlin. This research
platform is designed as a modular system to facilitate both heat and energy supply and the parallel testing of various experimental
approaches under in situ conditions. It is unique in the world, as it represents the first 4.400 m deep geothermal borehole doublet
giving access to low porous sediments. Results obtained under these conditions open up a perspective for the application of respective
technologies worldwide.
