EUR 36.5m funding for geothermal research at coal plant site Weisweiler
Over EUR36.5 million has been allocated to geothermal research at Weisweiler, as part of structural transformation efforts in Germany’s Rhenish coal mining area.
The Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Infrastructures and Geothermal Energy (IEG) is set to receive over EUR 36.5 million in funding for applied research in deep geothermal energy at the Weisweiler energy site, located in North Rhine-Westphalia. This funding comes as part of a EUR 60 million package approved for four structural transformation projects in the Rhenish mining region.
The Weisweiler project focuses on utilizing geothermal energy and developing related technologies to support Germany’s industrial energy transition. This includes exploring the use of geothermal fluids for energy and resource extraction, such as lithium recovery, as well as underground thermal storage.
The research ties into the broader framework of Germany’s coal phase-out, supported by the federal government’s Investment Act for Coal Regions (InvKG). This legislation allocates up to EUR 14.8 billion in structural assistance for the Rhenish mining area until 2038. The funds aim to revitalize post-mining landscapes, upgrade towns and villages, and promote future-proof employment opportunities.
Weisweiler, historically powered by lignite from the nearby Inden open-pit mine, still operates two 600 MW units. However, coal-based electricity generation at the site is scheduled to cease by 2029. In preparation for this transition, exploratory geothermal drilling has already taken place, with two wells reaching depths of 100 and 500 meters in 2023 and 2024. These efforts are part of the Interreg research project DGE-ROLLOUT, coordinated by North Rhine-Westphalia’s Geological Service.
The Fraunhofer IEG has installed a seismic monitoring station and a geothermal probe in these wells, paving the way for further study and development of deep geothermal energy in the region.
Source: TiefeGeothermie.de (our partner in Germany)
