idw – Informationsdienst Wissenschaft
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
idw - Informationsdienst
Wissenschaft
What does the German population think about the use of geothermal energy? The University of Leipzig investigated this question in a sub-study of a research project led by the Leipzig University of Applied Sciences (HTWK Leipzig). The aim of the nationwide survey was to assess the status quo of public perception and acceptance of near-surface geothermal energy—a form of geothermal energy utilization in which probes up to 400 meters deep harness the thermal potential of the ground for heating and cooling buildings.
The results of the recently published study show that the majority of respondents view renewable energies very positively overall, but geothermal energy ranks last in comparison to other forms of energy such as solar or wind power. Only a few respondents have in-depth knowledge of the process, and some prejudices shape their perception. For example, risks associated with deep geothermal energy, such as earthquakes, are mistakenly also associated with near-surface geothermal energy.
“Our study shows that information is crucial,” explains Prof. Dr. Cornelia Wolf from the University of Leipzig. “Geothermal energy has been perceived as a relatively unknown form of energy up to now. Those who know more about the technology are also more aware of its advantages, such as its base load capacity and independence from fossil fuels.”
Opportunities recognized – costs remain an obstacle
Geothermal energy is viewed particularly positively as a long-term sustainable and regional energy source that can be used for generations. At the same time, many respondents see the high investment costs and construction requirements as the biggest challenge.
The researchers were also able to show that attitudes toward heat pumps are closely linked to perceptions of geothermal energy: those who view heat pumps positively also see the advantages of geothermal energy more clearly. Sociodemographic characteristics such as age, education, or gender, on the other hand, play a minor role.
Communication as the key to the heat transition
The Leipzig study forms the basis for the next step in the subproject on communication within EASyQuart-Plus: the development of new formats that are intended to make the complex topic of near-surface geothermal energy clear and tangible. With the help of 3D visualizations and virtual reality applications, underground processes are to be made visible and understandable—both for experts and for citizens.
EASyQuart-Plus: Geothermal energy for energy-efficient urban districts
The EASyQuart-Plus joint project aims to optimize planning processes for geothermal heating and cooling systems. Led by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Anke Bucher, Professor of Applied Mechanics at HTWK Leipzig, the project participants are developing digital models to simplify the planning and operation of systems and make them more cost-efficient. At the heart of the project is the coupling of simulations of underground processes with those in the heat supply network and in buildings, including building services – right through to the development of so-called digital twins of geothermal probe systems.
“With our research results, we want to broaden the use of near-surface geothermal energy,” emphasizes Prof. Dr. Anke Bucher. “The potential for a sustainable and base-load-capable heat supply is enormous.”
Background: An interdisciplinary joint project
The project “EASyQuart-Plus – Energy-efficient design and planning of decentralized supply networks for geothermal heating and cooling of urban districts – digitization and practical effectiveness” will run from January 2024 to December 2026 and is funded with €2.2 million by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE).
Coordinated by HTWK Leipzig, the scientific institutions Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) and the Institute for Communication and Media Studies at the University of Leipzig are involved. Practical partners are the geothermal energy planners geoENERGIE Konzept and heatbeat engineering. The Weishaupt Group, in particular BauGrund Süd, has joined the project as an associated partner and recently built a new company headquarters in Schkeuditz, including the use of near-surface geothermal energy. Extensive measurements of real-world operation are now being collected there, which the researchers are comparing with the results of the digital twin in order to optimize it. The unique data set will be used to derive generally transferable results for the optimized planning and operation of geothermal probe systems.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Anke Bucher
HTWK Leipzig, Professor for Applied Mechanics
Phone: +49 341 3076-4224
E-Mail: anke.bucher@htwk-leipzig.de
Prof. Dr. Cornelia Wolf
University of Leipzig, Professor for Online Communication
Phone: +49 341 97 – 35051
E-Mail: cornelia.wolf@uni-leipzig.de
https://www.sozphil.uni-leipzig.de/fileadmin/Fakult%C3%A4t_SozPhil/Institut_KMW/... Study of Leipzig University (PDF)
Double-head drilling rig for geothermal and well drilling in Schkeuditz
Copyright: HTWK Leipzig
Geothermal probe field with connecting pipes and probe distributor at the Weishaupt Group headquarte ...
Source: Karsten Rink / Anna Chochyieva
Copyright: UFZ
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