Geothermal energy – energy that comes from the depths of the earth

Thanks to a geothermal heat anomaly, the Upper Rhine Valley is particularly suitable for the use of geothermal energy. Normally the temperature in volcanically inactive regions increases by 3°C per 100 m depth. The temperature rises faster in Oberrheingraben. In some places, it is even 100°C at a depth of 1,000 m.

Today it is clear how to plan, equip, and operate geothermal power plants and thus open up additional sources of renewable energy in the region. EnBW made a major contribution to this through its pioneering work in the pilot and demonstration plants in Bruchsal and Soultz-sous-Forêts.

With the deep geothermal heat in Bruchsal and Soultz-sous-Forêts, EnBW is developing an additional renewable energy source – in line with the energy revolution – that supplies electricity and heat from the region. Compared with sun and wind, geothermal energy scores with several advantages: The area of half a football field in Soultz, for example, is sufficient for the above-ground installation. In addition, energy production without interruption is possible because it is not dependent on the whims of the weather. Because it can be controlled, it increases the flexibility in the energy system. Geothermal power plants are base load capable and can continuously supply electricity – more than 8,000 h per year at full capacity. Photovoltaic and wind energy plants cannot do this. They reach only around 1,000 or 4,000 h per year (converted to full capacity). Good for the environment: There are practically no carbon dioxide emissions.

At the Bruchsal geothermal power plant, electricity generation was the top priority. However, deep geothermal energy offers two products – electricity and heat. If we make additional use of the heat, geothermal energy becomes even more economical for a sustainable energy supply. In Bruchsal, EnBW plans to supply customers in the vicinity of the power plant with heat from the geothermal plant.