Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 2, The State Office for Mining, Energy and Geology (LBEG) of Lower Saxony has granted three licenses to Austrian energy company OMV to explore deep geothermal potential in Bremen and Delmenhorst, west of the city. Bremen, a city-state and one of Northern Germany’s largest cities, will host these projects under standard mining law, allowing OMV to start exploration immediately without additional regulatory approvals required in other urban areas.

The Delmenhorst license is among OMV’s simplest geothermal initiatives to date and provides a strategic entry point into northern Germany’s heating market. This development aligns with OMV’s broader European geothermal strategy, shared during its Capital Markets Day in Vienna in early October 2025.

In Vienna, OMV, in a joint venture with Wien Energie, has completed drilling for a 20 MW pilot geothermal plant, with production testing ongoing. The plant is scheduled to begin operations in 2028. A second phase with 60 MW capacity is planned for drilling in 2026, targeting a start in 2030. Ultimately, OMV aims to scale Vienna’s geothermal capacity to 200 MW, potentially supplying heat to around 200,000 households, roughly half of the city’s district heating network.

In Germany, OMV is working with closed-loop technology provider Eavor on a geothermal power project in Geretsried. The project is undergoing commercial viability testing, with electricity production targeted for 2025. OMV and Eavor have signed an exclusive strategic partnership, and OMV is in discussions with additional cities in Germany and Romania to replicate this scalable closed-loop geothermal model.

Between 2026 and 2030, OMV expects to invest about EUR 700 million in geothermal projects, aiming for a net production output of around 1 TWh by 2030 and an internal rate of return of at least 10 percent.

The Bremen and Delmenhorst licenses strengthen OMV’s presence in northern Germany, a region with ambitious decarbonisation objectives and growing interest in renewable heating solutions. The ability to commence exploration without delay allows OMV to quickly confirm resources and develop future projects in coordination with local stakeholders.

These initiatives position OMV to expand its geothermal portfolio across Europe, contributing to renewable energy growth while supporting local heating networks and long-term energy transition goals. The company’s strategic focus on scalable and efficient geothermal technology underscores its commitment to reliable, low-carbon energy solutions for urban and regional markets.

By combining conventional deep geothermal systems with innovative closed-loop technology, OMV is advancing its capacity to provide sustainable heat and electricity while leveraging partnerships and local infrastructure to accelerate development and optimize returns.