Diagram of geothermal heat pump operations for Hamburg-Wilhelmsburg project in Germany
In 2022, the project successfully drilled two wells, and production tests conducted in 2023 confirmed promising results, extracting thermal water at 48 °C from depths exceeding 1,300 meters. Since then, efforts have focused on constructing pipelines for the district heating network. The heat pumps will elevate the water temperature to 75-85 °C, suitable for the heating system’s requirements. These multi-stage pumps, using a natural refrigerant, allow precise control of output and temperature.
The advanced design of the heat pump system will boost the project’s capacity, increasing the number of households served from an initial 4,700 to over 6,000. This enhancement optimizes the use of geothermal energy, improving efficiency and expanding the project’s reach within the community.
Thomas-Tim Sävecke, Head of Engineering at Hamburger Energiewerke, stated: “We want to maximize the use of our geothermal heat. Our engineers and Weska have therefore designed a highly efficient and technologically advanced heat pump system.”
The Hamburg-Wilhelmsburg project underscores a commitment to sustainable energy solutions, leveraging geothermal resources to provide reliable heating for a growing number of residents while advancing clean energy infrastructure in the region.
