GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences - Exploiting the potential of geothermal energy
In the GeoPuR project, the Helmholtz Centre Potsdam – German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) is researching innovative seismic measurement methods using fibre optic cables. The aim is to map the subsurface so that natural deposits of geothermal energy can be used for heat supply.
On 26 June 2020, the subsurface in Potsdam shook when once again an unexploded bomb, this time an aerial bomb from the Second World War, had to be detonated in a controlled manner. What meant inconvenient closures and evacuations for the local population was a welcome opportunity for the GeoPuR research project from the German Research Centre for Geosciences in Potsdam to investigate the ground conditions based on the vibrations measured in the existing fibre optic network caused by the explosion.
The research aims to create a geological model of Potsdam’s subsurface so that the as yet unexploited potential for geothermal energy production (heat) that lies hidden beneath the city can now be measured and mapped. GeoPuR is backed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
GeoPuR instead of drilling
The researchers measure minimal changes in the fibre optic cables triggered by traffic or vibrations, for example. The detonation of the bomb therefore provided an excellent signal source for a trial measurement. In a planned experiment, seismic vibrator vehicles were also used to generate sound waves that could be sent underground and observed through the fibre optic cables over a length of up to ten kilometres and with an accuracy of one metre. They were expected to provide information about the soil structure and, for example, heat deposits. The innovative technology of using the existing fibre optic network for the measurements makes seismic surveys easier and is also more cost-effective. Before this, several holes had to be drilled for this kind of exploration and numerous geophones installed as sound wave receivers.
Exploiting future potential
Using the heat deposits found through the GeoPuR project could help in the long term to advance climate-neutral heat supply for the city of Potsdam. Following successful implementation of the findings, there will also be opportunities for other municipalities to noticeably reduce the generation of CO2 for heat supply in urban areas. In addition to underground exploration, this measurement approach opens up further fields of application for energy technology. Seismic shocks and earthquakes in other parts of the world, for instance, can be detected earlier. It also makes it easier to service critical infrastructure buried in the ground, for example, to detect a gas leak in a pipeline.
For further information, visit www.gfz-potsdam.de
On 26 June 2020, the subsurface in Potsdam shook when once again an unexploded bomb, this time an aerial bomb from the Second World War, had to be detonated in a controlled manner. What meant inconvenient closures and evacuations for the local population was a welcome opportunity for the GeoPuR research project from the German Research Centre for Geosciences in Potsdam to investigate the ground conditions based on the vibrations measured in the existing fibre optic network caused by the explosion.
The research aims to create a geological model of Potsdam’s subsurface so that the as yet unexploited potential for geothermal energy production (heat) that lies hidden beneath the city can now be measured and mapped. GeoPuR is backed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
GeoPuR instead of drilling
The researchers measure minimal changes in the fibre optic cables triggered by traffic or vibrations, for example. The detonation of the bomb therefore provided an excellent signal source for a trial measurement. In a planned experiment, seismic vibrator vehicles were also used to generate sound waves that could be sent underground and observed through the fibre optic cables over a length of up to ten kilometres and with an accuracy of one metre. They were expected to provide information about the soil structure and, for example, heat deposits. The innovative technology of using the existing fibre optic network for the measurements makes seismic surveys easier and is also more cost-effective. Before this, several holes had to be drilled for this kind of exploration and numerous geophones installed as sound wave receivers.
Exploiting future potential
Using the heat deposits found through the GeoPuR project could help in the long term to advance climate-neutral heat supply for the city of Potsdam. Following successful implementation of the findings, there will also be opportunities for other municipalities to noticeably reduce the generation of CO2 for heat supply in urban areas. In addition to underground exploration, this measurement approach opens up further fields of application for energy technology. Seismic shocks and earthquakes in other parts of the world, for instance, can be detected earlier. It also makes it easier to service critical infrastructure buried in the ground, for example, to detect a gas leak in a pipeline.
For further information, visit www.gfz-potsdam.de