News

ÉS performs large-scale geothermal 3D seismic study in Northern Alsace, France

ÉS performs large-scale geothermal 3D seismic study in Northern Alsace, France Geothermal Plant at Soultz-sous-Forets, France (source: ThinkGeoEnergy, creative commons)
Alexander Richter 18 Nov 2018

Électricité de Strasbourg in France has conducted a large-scale 3D mapping study to explore and identify areas with potential for geothermal energy development in the north of the region of Alsace in France.

Local energy company Électricité de Strasbourg in France has conducted a large-scale 3D mapping study on a perimeter of nearly 200 km2 and 3,000 m deep in the north of the region of Alsace in France, as reported by ZoneBourse.

ÉS operates and develops geothermal power and heating plants, with several projects and development ongoing.

The objectives of this mapping are multiple:

  • Establish what are the best potential areas to develop new deep geothermal projects, similar to the areas with two geothermal plants that have been in operation for more than two years now.
  • Realize new projects, and bring a virtuous, decarbonized and competitive energy to the region, enabling the implementation of new industrial processes supported by this resource and ensuring a new economic development of the territory.

Led by the elected representatives of the territory and under the contracting authority of the Departmental Council of Bas-Rhin, a prospective industrial research study on a European scope and supported by the geothermal resource is currently in progress.

The territory that has proclaimed itself a “territory of excellence for deep geothermal energy” puts this important resource of the subsoil for its economic future.

This 3D mapping was deployed over the summer months, and nearly 200 people traveled the fields, forests and municipalities to position and move daily the 12,000 sensors (geophones) that record the waves returned by the ground and issued by the 10 vibrating trucks in circulation.

It will take about 6 to 8 months to interpret and map this basement.

ÉS will then be able to study and file new applications for drilling permits and initiate future projects in the territory and in the service of the territory.

Source: ZoneBourse