Germering-Puchheim, Germany geothermal project progresses with federal funding
#image_title
The joint geothermal heating project of Germering, Puchheim, and Munich in Germany has received federal funding and will proceed to a feasibility study.
The planned geothermal heating project of Zukunftswärme M West (ZMW), which will cover the Germering, Puchheim, and western Munich, will be receiving federal funding from the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA). With the funding aid secured, the project will not proceed to a feasibility study, for which Fraunhofer IEG has been commissioned.
ZMW is the joint development company formedby the neighboring cities of Germering (25%) and Puchheim (15%), along with utility Stadtwerke München (SWM) (60%). The company was founded in July 2025 shortly after the decision of the partners to jointly develop a geothermal project in the region. The geothermal exploration license was granted to ZMW just earlier this year.
The funding, to be sourced from the federal funding for efficient district heating networks (BEW), will cover up to 50% of the costs of the upcoming project phase. Potential geothermal sites within the license area will be evaluated by Fraunhofer IEG to identify preferred development locations. Key technical data will also be collected and uses as further basis for the subsequent planning phases. The initial results of the current investigation phase are expected by the end of 2026.
The earliest possible commissioning date of the planned geothermal heating facility being anticipated is by 2033.
Newly elected officials offer political continuity
Following the local elections, newly elected Mayors Liebetruth (Germering) and Thomas Hofschuster (Puchheim) will represent their cities in the ZMW project. The ZMW shareholders’ meeting convened for the last time during the terms of the now-former mayors at the end of April. Mayor Andreas Haas (Germering) and Mayor Norbert Seidl (Puchheim) took the opportunity to officially hand over the reins to their successors regarding geothermal energy.
“Without the commitment of Mr. Haas and Mr. Seidl, our project would not exist in this form,” commented Christine Cröniger, Managing Director of ZMW. “We are delighted that the new mayors will continue to support the project and take the next steps together with us.”
“With deep geothermal energy, we have the opportunity to take control of the future of our heat supply. Our goal is sustainable, secure, and affordable heat for the people in our region in the long term,” said Daniel Liebetruth.
“Deep geothermal energy offers great potential for a climate-neutral heat supply. At the same time, we must ensure that the project remains financially viable and affordable for all involved in the long run,” further added Thomas Hofschuster.
Source: Zukunftswärme M West
