View over Berlin, Germany
The permit covers a 550 km² area encompassing all of Berlin and is valid for five years. It follows a 2023 Senate-approved “Roadmap for Deep Geothermal Energy in Berlin,” which outlined plans for extensive drilling and 3D seismic surveys to assess geothermal resources. These efforts aim to support Berlin’s long-term energy needs through sustainable heat sources.
Exploration activities will be conducted by the State of Berlin in partnership with municipal and private heat network operators. The permit also enables subsequent steps, including pilot drilling and statewide reservoir management, to advance the use of deep geothermal energy. The overarching goal is to manage geothermal projects citywide to decarbonize district and local heating systems by 2045.
Ute Bonde, Senator for Mobility, Transport, Climate Protection and the Environment, stated: “With today’s decision, we have the green light for our ambitious project – deep geothermal heat from the underground for Berlin! It is a crucial milestone on the path to climate-neutral heat supply for the capital by 2045. We are now creating the conditions to supply clean and price-stable energy in the coming years.”
The initiative supports Berlin’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions, aiming to provide clean, reliable heat while reducing carbon emissions. By leveraging geothermal resources, the project seeks to enhance energy security and contribute to the city’s climate goals, ensuring a stable and environmentally friendly energy supply for residents.
