InnoGeoPot - Innovative exploration methods for geothermal potential assessment and energy storage

With the steady increase in the number of installed geothermal energy systems (GES) in Europe, a more frequent use of thermal energy in geological layers of different depth has been recognized.

In particular, the use of shallow and medium-depth geothermal potential can be extended to the application of systems for borehole thermal energy storage (BTES), as well as the possibility of rehabilitating abandoned deep boreholes with closed-loop borehole heat exchangers (BHE).

The development of multi-scale geological-hydrogeological-thermal models in combination with decision support systems (DSS) provide a better understanding of geothermal potential through the application of different GES.

Content and aim of the research project

The research work will aim to develop geological-hydrogeological-thermal models at different scales using data collected from deep boreholes in selected areas and to monitor real operation data from geothermal wells to determine heat rejection/extraction rates.

The research area includes the wider area of the city of Zagreb in Croatia, the city of Ljubljana in Slovenia and the cross-border area between north-eastern Slovenia and south-eastern Croatia.

In the selected urban and rural pilot areas, the exploration of geothermal potential at shallow and medium-depth between 200 and 500 m is being explored through the application of BHE for BTES. The geothermal potential from the rehabilitation of abandoned boreholes is also being evaluated.

Scientific and social context of the research project

The trilateral research cooperation between Croatia, Switzerland and Slovenia will lead to the establishment of an international research group dealing with the characterization of the subsurface and technology development in the field of geothermal energy.

For the selected pilot areas, an up-to-date DSS for the use of shallow and medium-depth geothermal energy will provide a valuable tool to ensure a more efficient and sustainable use of geothermal energy.

Commissioned by: SNF

Project duration: 2024 – 2028

Michel Walde, Horst Dresmann, Stefan Scheidler, Oliver Schilling & Jannis Epting