Deep Geothermal Energy in Bremen and Delmenhorst: LBEG Grants New Exploration Permits
By: Robert Buluma
The State Office for Mining, Energy, and Geology (LBEG) has granted OMV Green Energy GmbH from Vienna three new permits to explore geothermal energy from depths of more than 400 meters. The fields Delmenhorst, Bremen-West, and Bremen-Ost cover a total of nearly 192 square kilometers and span two federal states.
Area Distribution and Duration
- Bremen-West and Bremen-Ost: 166.5 km², from Borgfeld to Sodenmatt, valid until October 14, 2026.
- Delmenhorst: 25 km², up to Brinkum, valid until October 14, 2027.
In Bremen, the three new fields now cover 57 percent of the city area. Across the state of Bremen, the four exploration permits account for more than 57.5 percent of the state’s area.
Permit Process
OMV Green Energy GmbH submitted the applications to LBEG. After comments from Bremen, Delmenhorst, and the district authorities, LBEG approved the permits.
Important: The permit grants the right to explore, but actual drilling or geothermal projects require mining operation plans and a separate participation procedure.
Significance for Geothermal Energy
Deep geothermal energy is used to extract heat from geological layers and is considered a sustainable and renewable energy source. In contrast, shallow geothermal energy up to 400 meters depth is not affected by these regulations.
LBEG emphasizes its role as the Lower Saxony Geothermal Service, offering neutral and economically independent advice, creating geoscientific data, and organizing events such as the Day of Geothermal Energy (next event in 2027).
Background
- LBEG has currently granted 48 exploration permits for geothermal energy across Lower Saxony, Bremen, Schleswig-Holstein, and Hamburg.
- Geothermal energy from depths greater than 400 meters is considered a non-mining natural resource and falls under Federal Mining Law.
More information: LBEG – Mining Permits
Press Contact:
Eike Bruns: Tel. +49 511 643 2274
Björn Völlmar: Tel. +49 511 643 3010
E-Mail: presse@lbeg.niedersachsen.de
Related: Vienna Drills First Geothermal Plant
Source:Energy Market Place

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