Schwetzingen/Mannheim (dpa/lsw) - The two energy suppliers EnBW (Karlsruhe) and MVV (Mannheim) have started geophysical measurements for up to three geothermal heating plants. Suitable drilling targets for the extraction of geothermal energy are being sought on 7000 hectares. According to further information from the two companies on Tuesday, the project affects seven municipalities in northern Baden: Mannheim, Schwetzingen, Ketsch, Oftersheim, Plankstadt, Heidelberg and Brühl.
On the way to a CO2-neutral energy supply, thermal phenomena in the Upper Rhine Graben are to be used. Because of a so-called geothermal heat anomaly, the temperature in the Upper Rhine Graben is rising faster than in regions that are not volcanically active. In some places it is already 100 degrees Celsius at a depth of 1000 meters. The energy generated there is to be fed into the district heating network and made directly usable for the region and its residents.
The two companies have founded a joint subsidiary for the search, GeoHardt GmbH in Schwetzingen. It received the green light from the State Office for Geology, Natural Resources and Mining for the investigations with 3D seismics. This technology creates three-dimensional images of the subsoil. This work is expected to be completed in February and will form the basis for identifying potential drill targets.
