The central question: Is the geothermal well as productive as Deutsche Erdwärme anticipates? According to reports by SWR, water will be pumped into the underground reservoir, followed by seismological measurements and pressure tests. These activities aim to determine the operational conditions required for safely running a future geothermal plant.
Herbert Pohl, CEO of Deutsche Erdwärme, noted that such a long-term test is unprecedented in Germany and in the Upper Rhine Valley. While geothermal exploration in Graben-Neudorf has been ongoing for decades, this advanced stage of the project focuses on securing sustainable heat extraction and simulating plant operations. Systematic geothermal studies at the site date back more than 30 years.
During the test, significant amounts of water will be injected into the hot underground reservoir. Pressure will be applied carefully to avoid triggering significant seismic events, preventing incidents similar to those experienced in Basel or Landau.
A key goal of this long-term test is to ensure a reliable supply of heat for a regional district heating network. At a minimum, the communities of Graben-Neudorf and the city of Bruchsal are expected to benefit. Deutsche Erdwärme is also in discussions with additional municipal utilities. Further drilling is planned nearby in Dettenheim, although regulatory conditions are still being finalized.
If everything goes according to plan, a second borehole will follow next year in Graben-Neudorf—essential for the eventual operation of the geothermal plant. However, exact dates are not yet confirmed. Only a few specialized drilling rigs in Europe are capable of reaching these depths, so work will resume once equipment becomes available.
With temperatures exceeding 200°C at around 3,600 meters deep, Graben-Neudorf is considered Germany’s hottest thermal water source. Extracting this extremely hot water requires specialized heat-resistant technology, which was not part of the original design. Deutsche Erdwärme aims to begin routine extraction of hot thermal water by 2029. Meanwhile, a geothermal power plant will be constructed on-site to process the heat efficiently.
Deutsche Erdwärme’s long-term test marks a significant milestone in Germany’s geothermal energy sector. Success in Graben-Neudorf could not only provide clean, sustainable heat to local communities but also set a benchmark for geothermal projects across the Upper Rhine Valley.
Source: SWR
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