2D seismic survey to start in Nuremberg, Germany to evaluate geothermal heating feasibility
Nuremberg Castle, Nuremberg, Germany (source: DALIBRI, CC BY-SA 3.0 
Carlo Cariaga
26 May 2026
2D seismic surveys are expected to start later this year as part of a planned geothermal heating project by N-ERGIE in Nuremberg, Germany.
Local utility company N-ERGIE is now in the process of obtaining all necessary permits for a planned 2D seismic survey that will help with subsurface characterization in aid of a planned geothermal heating project in Nuremberg, Germany. The seismic measurements are expected to start by the second half of 2026.
In 2023, N-ERGIE submitted an application to the Bavarian State Ministry to Economic Affairs, Regional Development, and Energy (StMWi) to explore the geothermal potential in Nuremberg. The approval was given on the same year for a 200 km2 geothermal exploration. Airborne gravimetric measurements were done in 2024, supporting the hypothesis that there is indeed a geothermal resource in the region. The upcoming 2D seismic measurements will serve to further characterize this potential resource.
Six measurement lines with a total length of approximately 110 kilometers are planned. These will run through the city of Nuremberg, the city of Fürth, and individual towns in neighboring districts. An advantage for the municipalities covered by the survey is that the collected data will be shared by N-ERGIE so that they can use it for their own municipal planning. N-ERGIE is currently coordinating will all relevant authorities, as well as the districts and municipalities through which the vibro-trucks will pass.
As soon as the exact timeframe and route for the 2D seismic measurements are determined, N-ERGIE will provide comprehensive and ongoing updates via the media. Some information is already available at the Erdwärme Franken website.
Source: N-ERGIE and Tiefe Geothermie
