Geretsried, a town in southern Germany with a population of approximately 26,000, has pursued a transition from fossil fuels to geothermal energy. About 15 years ago, a drilling company was unable to locate sufficient hot water near the surface to make traditional geothermal technology viable, leading to continued reliance on natural gas. The renewed focus on geothermal energy follows advancements in drilling techniques, which utilize technology from the oil and gas industry to extract heat from deep, dry rock. Eavor, a Canadian company, has commenced its first commercial geothermal power plant in Geretsried, positioning the town as a critical test site for this emerging technology. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has acknowledged the potential of deeper drilling methods, which extend beyond 3 kilometers and could enable widespread adoption of geothermal energy in multiple countries. The IEA indicated that geothermal energy has historically been limited to a few regions but could soon become a significant component of the global energy sector.

The project employs a method involving two wells drilled approximately 4 kilometers deep, with multiple lateral wells to optimize heat extraction. The system, termed the “Eavor Loop,” circulates water through hot rock, allowing it to heat up before returning to the surface. This process eliminates the need for fracking and enables sustainable energy generation. The Geretsried initiative features four loops, each consisting of two vertical wells and several lateral ones. Heated water from this system is expected to provide energy for around 36,000 homes. Additionally, it can be directed to a power plant, where steam production will facilitate electricity generation without emitting greenhouse gases. The commitment to geothermal energy aligns with Germany’s broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions and achieve long-term energy security.