In late 2022, WSW and the Fraunhofer IEG started a joint investigation for the potential of the geothermal resources in the region by looking at existing geological data and creating subsurface models. Based on the data and subsequent simulations, there is indeed potentially a geothermal resource hosted within limestone layers at a depth of around 2000 meters in the north of Wuppertal. Temperatures of 60 to 80 °C are expected in the geothermal fluids within this formation.
To better determine the depth and location of these limestone layers, WSW is now planning to conduct a seismic survey campaign. Approvals for this operation are always underway. Information from this campaign will help in testing and interrogating the models that have been generate by Fraunhofer IEG. WSW assures the locals that they will be informed in advance before such investigations take place on their streets.
WSW further emphasizes that a decision on whether the geothermal project can be developed will only come after the exploration campaign. The target is for the final decision to be made by fall of this year. With expected costs of up to EUR 20 million for deep drilling, WSW wants to reduce the uncertainty with extensive research before any drilling has started.
It will also take some time from this point before the project is fully implemented. “It will probably take another ten years until the first megawatt hour of heat flows,” said Dominik Pröpper from WSW.
Wupperstal is a city in the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, which had recently published a Geothermal Energy Master Plan that sets to provide a strategy for geothermal development in the region in the coming years. The target set by the NRW State is for 15-20% of the heat demand to be supplied by geothermal sources.
