Research Project
Research Project
"The federal state Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony) pursues the ambitious goal to use its existing geothermal potential for production of thermal heat and electric power". This was the statement of the Niedersachsen Minister for Science and Culture, Mr Lutz Stratmann on the occasion of the opening presentation of the new research association "Geothermal Energy and High Performance Drilling Research Program gebo" on May 20th, 2009 at Baker Hughes in Celle.
- Schematic diagram of a geothermal power plant
- Investment allocation in a Geothermal Project, Source: The German Federal Environment Ministry, Institut für Energetik und Umwelt gGmbH, 2007: Deep Geothermic Energy in Germany.
Despite relatively moderate temperatures in the geological subsurface, Niedersachsen, has the major prerequisites to achieve it's the respective goals: It possesses considerable geothermal potential and the necessary knowledge concerning the geological subsurface is available from existing oil and natural gas wells. In addition, the scientific and industrial infrastructure for exploration and development of the geological subsurface has demonstrated excellent reputation. The exploration and development of deep geothermal energy is, however, connected with high costs and risks. They result in particular from the expensive and time-consuming construction of the necessary deep boreholes (drill wells) and required geological heat exchanger.
The goal of the gebo research association is to carry out research and survey new concepts allowing an improved economic efficiency of geothermal energy generation from deep geological formations. With its focus on innovative aspects of the drilling and development of subsurface heat exchange, the association addresses those aspects of geothermal power projects for which both costs and risks are the highest (ca. 70% of the total investment). The gebo research association unites the traditional strengths of the participating universities of the federal state of Niedersachsen and (independent) research institutions in geosciences, drilling technology, materials science and technical systems. More than 40 scientists and engineers collaborate to develop and evaluate new concepts, materials and devices.
The project is carried out in close coordination with participating industry. The gebo research association focuses on broad-scale, partly extremely high-risk problems in the "High-End" area of research; at the same time the participating industry is carrying out applied systems developments. From the work, directed towards improving the economics of geothermal energy production and making it economically attractive in Niedersachsen, significant gebo "spin-off" effects are expected to industrial sectors, in particular from the materials and systems technology research.
