Aerial view of Hanover, Germany
The Eavor-Loop™ system extracts heat from approximately 3,200 meters underground without relying on natural hot water reservoirs. A water-based medium circulates through deep boreholes, absorbing heat from surrounding rock via thermal conduction and delivering it to the surface using the thermosiphon effect. This emission-free technology requires no fracking or thermal sources, offering a sustainable solution for urban heating.
The Hanover-Lahe project includes two systems, each with a 15-megawatt capacity, expected to produce 250 million kilowatt-hours annually. This output could heat up to 20,000 households, covering approximately 20% of Hanover’s district heating needs. In 2023, Eavor secured a heat supply agreement with local utility enercity to support the project. Hanover’s Mayor Belit Onay stated: “Hanover is a pioneer, as it is the first plant of its kind in a major city. With this, we want to make rural, climate-friendly geothermal energy suitable for urban use and also offer a blueprint for other cities.”
Eavor is advancing a similar project in Geretsried, aiming for commercial deployment later this year. The Hanover initiative builds on this expertise, marking a significant step in scaling deep geothermal energy for urban applications. Marco Becker, Managing Director of Eavor GmbH, noted: “Our goal is to supply cities with renewable and reliable energy using scalable deep geothermal energy – entirely without emissions, fracking, or thermal sources. Hanover is the first major city in Germany where we are permitted to implement this technology – and we are very grateful to the state capital and enercity for this.”
The project partners will soon engage the community through a public session at the Bothfeld-Vahrenheide District Council, followed by a presentation at the Geothermal Energy Day at the State Office for Mining, Energy and Geology in Stilleweg. These events aim to inform residents and stakeholders about the project’s benefits and progress.
This initiative positions Hanover as a leader in sustainable urban energy solutions. By adopting Eavor’s technology, the city aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, enhance energy independence, and set a model for other cities. The project supports economic and environmental goals, contributing to a resilient and eco-friendly heating network.
