Driving the Heat Transition in Hanover with Eavor Technology

A Climate-Neutral Future for Hanover’s District Heating

By:Robert Buluma

The city of Hanover is taking a bold step toward a climate-friendly future with the implementation of an innovative geothermal energy project by Eavor in collaboration with enercity.

This groundbreaking initiative aims to cover 15 to 20 percent of Hanover’s district heating needs using cutting-edge Eavor-Loop™ technology, significantly reducing reliance on coal-fired power plants and advancing the city's heat transition goals.

The Hanover Geothermal Project: A Game Changer for District Heating

Eavor is developing two Eavor-Loops™ in the Lahe district, each with a heat output of 15 MW. Once operational, this system will generate up to 250 million kilowatt hours of geothermal energy annually. This is equivalent to supplying heat for approximately 20,000 homes within the enercity supply area, ensuring a stable, renewable, and climate-neutral energy source.

Replacing Coal with Sustainable Geothermal Energy

One of the most significant aspects of this project is its role in replacing fossil fuel-based heating sources. The geothermal energy harnessed through Eavor's technology will gradually phase out the dependency on coal, allowing for the planned shutdown of the Hannover-Stöcken coal-fired power plant between 2026 and 2030. This transition is crucial in reducing carbon emissions and meeting Germany’s climate targets.

Project Timeline and Next Steps

The Hanover geothermal project is progressing through various stages of development. The next key milestones include:

Ground Investigation & 2D Seismic Survey (Q1 2025): The first phase involves seismic exploration to map underground geological formations.
Infrastructure and Drilling Site Preparation (Q4 2025): Construction of the drilling site will commence to set the foundation for geothermal energy extraction.
Drilling and Eavor-Loop™ Installation (2026-2027): Once the infrastructure is in place, drilling will begin to install the Eavor-Loops™.
Integration into the District Heating Network (2028): The geothermal system will be fully integrated into Hanover’s heating infrastructure, marking a major step toward decarbonization.

The Role of 2D Seismic Surveys

To ensure optimal drilling locations, a 2D seismic survey is being conducted across 50 km of land, covering areas such as Isernhagen, Langenhagen, and Burgwedel. This survey utilizes geophones and seismic vibrations to create detailed subsurface images, enabling geoscientists to determine the best drilling sites for the Eavor-Loop™ system.

How the Seismic Survey Works

Three survey vehicles travel along designated lines, where geophones have been placed in the ground. Every 20 meters, the vehicles emit gentle vibrations through a vibrating plate, sending sound waves into the earth. These waves reflect off underground rock layers and return to the geophones, allowing geoscientists to construct a two-dimensional image of the subsurface. This data is critical in identifying ideal locations for the Eavor-Loop™ wells, ensuring maximum efficiency and sustainability.

The Science Behind Eavor-Loop™ Technology

Eavor-Loop™ is an innovative, closed-loop geothermal system that eliminates many of the challenges associated with traditional geothermal methods. Unlike conventional geothermal plants that require natural underground reservoirs, Eavor’s system circulates a working fluid through a sealed network of underground pipes. This method offers several advantages:

No Fracking or Water Consumption: Since the system does not rely on extracting hot water from the earth, it avoids groundwater depletion and seismic risks.
Scalability: The modular design of Eavor-Loops™ allows them to be implemented in various locations, including urban environments like Hanover.
Sustainable Baseload Energy: Unlike wind and solar, which are intermittent, geothermal energy provides a constant and reliable power source, making it a key component in the renewable energy mix.

Transparent Communication and Public Involvement

Eavor and enercity prioritize transparent communication and community engagement throughout the project. Regular updates are provided every Monday and Thursday, allowing residents to stay informed about progress and developments. Public involvement is encouraged through Q&A sessions and online resources, fostering an open dialogue about the project's impact and benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For those seeking more information about the project, Eavor technology, and its implications for Hanover’s heating transition, a comprehensive FAQ section is available. Key topics include:

How does the Eavor-Loop™ differ from conventional geothermal systems?

What environmental benefits does the project offer?

How will the transition affect energy costs for residents?

What safety measures are in place to prevent environmental impact?

The Broader Impact of Eavor’s Innovations

Eavor’s success in Hanover is part of a larger movement toward sustainable heating solutions across Germany. Similar projects are underway in Neu-Ulm, where Stadtwerke Ulm/Neu-Ulm (SWU) is assessing the feasibility of Eavor technology, and Geretsried, where Eavor is contributing to the broader energy transition.

The Future of Geothermal Energy in Germany

Germany has been a leader in the energy transition, aiming to phase out coal and expand renewable energy sources. With the federal government’s commitment to decarbonization, geothermal energy is emerging as a crucial player in achieving net-zero emissions. Projects like Hanover’s Eavor-Loop™ initiative serve as a model for other cities looking to integrate sustainable heating solutions.

Economic and Environmental Benefits

Job Creation: The project will generate employment opportunities in drilling, construction, and maintenance.
Lower Carbon Footprint: By replacing fossil fuels with geothermal energy, Hanover will significantly cut CO2 emissions.
Energy Independence: Utilizing local geothermal resources reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels, enhancing energy security.

A Model for Future Heat Transitions

The Hanover geothermal project represents a pivotal moment in Germany’s transition to renewable energy. By integrating Eavor-Loop™ technology into the district heating network, Hanover is setting a precedent for other cities to follow. This initiative not only ensures a stable and sustainable heat supply but also demonstrates the potential of geothermal energy as a key player in the global push for carbon neutrality.

Source: Eavor

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