Unique joint venture created to explore geothermal in Wörth, Germany
Truck factory at Wörth am Rhein, Germany (sourcce: Norbert Schnitzler, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
Carlo Cariaga
12 Jul 2023
A joint venture between EnBW, Daimler Truck, and the local municipality will explore the potential for geothermal utilization in Wörth, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany.
A unique joint venture between an industry player, an energy company, and a municipality has been formed to explore the geothermal potential in the city of Wörth in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. Transportation company Daimler Truck and energy company EnBW will each hold a 45% stake in the joint venture with the remaining 10% held by the city of Wörth.
The city of Wörth is located within the Upper Rhine Graben, a region known for having the ideal conditions for high geothermal potential. A potential geothermal resource is Wörth can be used to supply heat or to generate power, as in the case for the geothermal power plants in Soultz-sous-Forêts in Alsace, France and Bruchsal in Baden-Württemberg, Germany – both of which are being operated by EnBW. The energy company offers extensive experience in the construction and operation of geothermal systems.
Daimler Truck aims to make sustainable transport a success and achieve CO2-neutral transport by 2050. The transportation company operates a facility in the city of Wörth that employs around 10,000 people, making it the largest local employer. The plant is also in the process of green transformation and manufactures new electric models.
Next steps
An exploration permit has been granted to the join venture company for the “Bertha” area. This is located towards the Rhine river and has an extent of approximately 77 square kilometers and covers the districts of Jockgrim, Wörth, and Maximiliansau.
The next step would then be to determine the optimal project site based on geophysical data and a planned 3D seismic survey. By 2026, the first test drilling can begin pending the granting of associated permits. Should the results be positive, a geothermal plant can be operational by 2028 at the earliest.
All project partners are committed to transparent and dialogue-oriented information for the local communities. Following the establishment of the joint venture, initial information about the project will be provided at the public city council meeting on 18 July 2023.
Source: Pfalz Express
