Geothermal drilling by Deutsche Erdwärme GmbH in Graben-Neudorf is making progress

The drilling project for the extraction of deep geothermal energy by Deutsche Erdwärme GmbH (DEW) in Graben-Neudorf (Baden-Wurttemberg) is making good progress. The first 1000 metres of drilling have already been completed and DEW's expectations regarding the ground temperatures have been exceeded. The drilling is expected to be completed in a few weeks.

In total, DEW plans to develop a thermal water reservoir at a depth of 3,500 to 3,700 metres in Graben-Neudorf with two drillings. The thermal water is to be used for energy production. The primary purpose of the first drilling is to explore the thermal water reservoir. After completion of the first drilling, the second drilling and further investigations are planned for this autumn. After the two drillings have been completed and a long-term test has been carried out, which is planned for the beginning of next year, the further procedure for energy production in Graben-Neudorf will be planned based on the obtained information.

The project in Graben-Neudorf is not the only DEW project in the Upper Rhine region. In Waghäusel, Karlsruhe-Neureut and Dettenheim, comparable projects are also under development. The main shareholder of the geothermal specialist DEW is the Danish infrastructure fund Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners.

Chatham Partners is advising DEW extensively on the development of the projects and related issues.

Sources: SWR