Erfurt, Germany to conduct seismic survey for geothermal exploration in 2025
Erfurt, Thuringia, Germany (source: Kimberly Vardeman / flickr, Creative Commons)
Carlo Cariaga
28 Jan 2025
A seismic survey will be done in the city of Erfurt in Germany in the summer of 2025 to explore for geothermal resources for district heating.
The city of Erfurt in Thuringia, Germany is planning a 3D seismic measurement campaign in the summer of 2025 to explore for a potential geothermal reservoir for district heating. This follows up on the original plans announced by local utility Stadtwerke Erfurt (SWE Energie) back in 2023.
The seismic measurement campaign will involve nine special vibration vehicles that will transmit vibrations into the subsurface, which will then be reflected and detected in the surface by 12,000 measuring devices or geo-phones. The same exploration method to has been used to great success in several cities in Germany, as well as in Switzerland, France, the Netherlands, and Denmark.
The aim of the study is to analyze the nature of the rock layers in order to identify a potential reservoir for the use of deep geothermal energy. The database obtained can be used to create precise 3D models of the subsurface, which can later be used to plan drilling.
The main measurement area will cover 136 square kilometers in the city of Erfurt, including surrounding communities such as Udestedt, Großrudestedt, and Riethnordhausen. All affected property owners and residents will be informed at an early stage. SWE Energie puts great importance in the welfare of the people and the environment, and assures that the vibroseismic technology to be used has low emissions and impact, and that measuring points will be carefully planned to protect sensitive locations.
Source: MDR.de and Stadtwerke Erfurt
