Krefeld in drilling fever: Geothermal project becomes a landmark!

Krefeld in drilling fever: Geothermal project becomes a landmark!

In Krefeld, the greatest research bore for geothermal use in North Rhine-Westphalia, which was initiated by the Geological Service NRW (GD NRW). This significant measure takes place in the Kempener Feld district and aims to explore the underground limestone layers. The new drilling tower, which is considered the symbol of the geothermal project, measures 17 meters in height and weighs 28 tons. A crane lifts large, mergable drills for the tower construction.

The drilling work run day and night to quickly achieve the desired goals. In order to protect the residents from the noises, noise barriers were installed with a height of up to ten meters. This work is a crucial step as part of the state program "Master Plan Geothermie NRW", which until 2045 intends to cover around 20 percent of the country's heat requirement by geothermal energy.

goals of the hole

The hole aims to reach the rock layer of the coal limestone, which was created 363 to 340 million years ago. This layer is of particular interest because it can be potentially water -bearing and is therefore suitable for use by geothermal systems. The hole is expected at a depth of 400 to 700 meters, whereby the drilling system can drill up to 1,000 meters deep. In the past, other holes have already been carried out in Krefeld, such as the Gla 1/2 bore in 1987, which hit the coal lime at a depth of about 280 meters.

seismic measurements in autumn 2022 showed that the coal limestone dipped into the northeast. Therefore, a representative of this rock for the region is expected in the current bore, with a thickness of over 300 meters. The results of this hole are not only for Krefeld, but can also be transferred to surrounding areas, which reinforces the importance of these research.

The potential of geothermal energy

geothermal energy refers to the thermal energy stored below the surface of the earth and has become more important in recent years. In Central Europe, the temperature usually increases by about three degrees per 100 meters deep. At a depth of 1,000 meters, water can reach temperatures of around 40 degrees Celsius. This geothermal energy is considered inexhaustible and could be used for industry, municipal district heating networks and to heat houses.

currently in North Rhine-Westphalia is mainly used in the geothermal energy near the surface, while the plans for deep geothermal energy are particularly advanced in Münster. Krefeld's environmental director Sabine Lauxen emphasized that geothermal energy can be an important source of energy for the city's climate neutrality.

The current research drilling in Krefeld are the deepest that the geological service of North Rhine -Westphalia has so far carried out. The work should last for a period of eight to twelve weeks. After that, the drilling nuclei obtained is carefully examined in order to obtain meaningful data on the geological conditions. After completing the drilling work, the borehole is filled again. The information from this bore is crucial for the future use of geothermal energy in the region. In addition, tours for interested parties are offered at the drilling location to bring the project closer to the citizens.

For more information about the project you can WDR , Geowärme nrw and Welt Visit