Preliminary seismic investigations for the geothermal project are planned to be done within 2024, with drilling expected by the end of 2025. Construction of the pump house and heating network is scheduled for 2027. If all goes well, then the first heat delivery should start by the late 2028 or early 2029.
The project is expected to cost EUR 25 million. The city cannot bear the financial risk alone, so Environment Minister Christian Meyer has already agreed to fund over 90% of it. Bad Bevensen, along with the town of Munster, had previously been selected by the Ministry of Environment, Energy, and Climate Protection of the State of Lower Saxony to receive conditionally repayable grants to support geothermal pilot projects.
Roland Klewwe, Managing Directors of the newly founded company, explains that the subsidy must be repaid if the drilling is successful.
The target drilling site is in a forest in the Sandschellen. A preliminary environmental impact assessment had already been submitted to the State Office. The plan is to drill two wells to circulate hot water, transferring heat via heat exchanger to a second loop connected to the facilities in the town. The plan is to drill to 3300 meters depth where temperatures of up to 128 °C are expected.
