Seismic surveys for geothermal exploration begins in Berlin, Germany

Reichstag, German parliament, Berlin - site of an underground Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage system (source: flickr/ Audrius Juralevicius, creative commons)

Carlo Cariaga 1 Jul 2025

Initial 2D seismic measurements have started in the city of Berlin in Germany as a prelude to wider exploration efforts for deep geothermal energy. This pilot survey, from 30 June to 6 July, will used to determine the optimal parameters for a subsequent city-wide 3D seismic survey.

Measurements will be conducted in the districts of Lichtenberg and Marzahn-Hellersdorf. On two lines, vibro-trucks, will conduct seismic analyses of the Berlin underground in their operational areas.

The north-south line will cover the route from Wartenberg to Karlshorst (Lindenberger Straße, Dorfstraße, Prendener Straße, Falkenberger Chaussee, Pablo-Picasso-Straße, Wartenberger Straße, Wollenberger Straße, Rhinstraße, Am Tierpark, Waldowallee). On the other hand, the east-west line will run along Allee der Kosmonauten and Herzbergstraße.

The pilot measurements are intended, among other things, to demonstrate how good data can be obtained despite this background noise. This is in anticipation of the different sources of noise in a busy city like Berlin. The study will also examine how the largest possible area can be surveyed efficiently and quickly, and whether one vibratory truck per measurement point is sufficient or whether several are necessary.

Exploration work is a pre-requisite to the plans of Berlin to drill for deep geothermal resources for climate-neutral district heating. Just a week ago, the State of Berlin received the permit for deep geothermal resource exploration including surface studies, drilling, and reservoir management.

Source: Berlin Senate Department for Mobility, transport, climate protection and the environment and Bundesverband Geothermie