en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Arnsberg District Government has issued the largest geothermal exploration permit in Germany to a consortium of companies. The permit area, named "Erdwärme Metropole Ruhr," covers 1,640 square kilometers in the Ruhr region of North Rhine-Westphalia, from Oberhausen to Hamm. It aims to develop geothermal resources to provide heat for new and existing heating networks.

Companies involved in the joint project include E.ON Business Solutions Deutschland, DMT, Deutsche ErdWärme, Fernwärmeversorgung Niederrhein, Iqony Fernwärme, Iqony Wärme, and Hertener Stadtwerke. These partners plan to establish a joint venture, subject to merger control approval from relevant antitrust authorities.

Following the permit issuance, the project partners will conduct geological reservoir surveys in the designated area—from Oberhausen to Hamm and from Marl to Schwerte—to determine geothermal potential. The initial exploration phase will involve 2D seismic surveys, the results of which will provide a basis for subsequent 3D seismic surveys, thereby identifying potential drilling locations.

Dr. Herbert Pohl, CEO of Deutsche ErdWärme, noted that this large-scale exploration permit is a significant step for geothermal energy expansion in North Rhine-Westphalia, a state with substantial potential for utilizing underground renewable heat for urban, municipal, and industrial applications. Katja Winkler, Geothermal Project Manager at E.ON Business Solutions Deutschland, stated that the consortium partners are determined to make a significant contribution to the state's energy transition. Matthias Ohl, CEO of Iqony Fernwärme, added that the Ruhr region is densely populated, highly industrialized, and holds vast untapped energy resources, making geothermal energy a strong pillar for future heat supply.

In 2024, North Rhine-Westphalia released the Geothermal Energy Master Plan, setting a target for geothermal heat to meet 15% to 20% of the state's heating demand. Subsequently, the state announced funding programs to support geothermal development through subsidies for deep exploration drilling and geothermal heat pump installations.

This article is compiled by Wedoany. All AI citations must indicate the source as "Wedoany". If there is any infringement or other issues, please notify us promptly, and we will modify or delete it accordingly. Email: news@wedoany.com