GeoHardt GmbH announces Mannheim site for its first geothermal heating plant in Rheinau, supporting MVV’s goal of 100% renewable district heating and driving the city’s energy transition.
GeoHardt GmbH has officially revealed its first geothermal heating plant site in Mannheim, marking a major milestone for renewable energy in the region. The selected location, in the southeastern part of Mannheim’s Rheinau district, will serve as the foundation for what could become a series of up to three geothermal heating plants planned by the company. This initiative aligns with MVV’s ambitious goal of transitioning district heating to 100% renewable energy, positioning Mannheim as a leader in Germany’s energy transition.
Strategic Location: Franzosenhäusel in Mannheim
The chosen site, known locally as Franzosenhäusel, is situated between the Bundesstraße B36 and the A6 motorway, south of Hallenbuckel Street. Covering an area of approximately 28,000 square meters, the site will only require the majority of this space during construction and drilling phases. Once completed, the geothermal heating plant itself will occupy around 10,000 square meters.
Stefan Ertle, CEO of GeoHardt, emphasized the reliability of geothermal energy:
"The use of heat from water-bearing geological layers is a proven technology, in operation for over a century, and used reliably at more than 40 locations in Germany."
GeoHardt will employ hydrothermal technology, tapping into natural underground hot water reservoirs. The process involves pumping hot water to the surface via a production well, transferring its heat to the district heating network through a dedicated heating plant, and reinjecting the cooled water back underground via a second well.
Advancing Mannheim’s Energy Transition
The establishment of the Franzosenhäusel geothermal heating plant represents the first concrete result of GeoHardt’s extensive site selection efforts. Matthias Wolf, GeoHardt Managing Director, highlighted the importance of community and municipal support:
"We are thrilled to advance to the next project phase and thank the City of Mannheim for enabling us to lay the foundation for the first geothermal heating plant in the region."
This project is part of a broader strategy to provide renewable heat to the Rhein-Neckar region, contributing to sustainable energy solutions for more than 160,000 households. With plans for up to three plants, GeoHardt aims to ensure a long-term, reliable supply of renewable geothermal energy.
Comprehensive Site Evaluation
The selection of Franzosenhäusel followed detailed geological and surface assessments to determine the suitability for geothermal energy production. The site offers promising conditions for establishing a successful heating plant, both in terms of underground heat reservoirs and surface infrastructure.
The next step involves obtaining a mining law permit from the Landesamt für Geologie, Rohstoffe und Bergbau (LGRB) under the Regierungspräsidium Freiburg. Only after approval from the supervisory authority can construction of the drilling platform begin. Comparable geothermal projects in Baden-Württemberg have seen approval processes take up to a year or longer, meaning the earliest start of drilling infrastructure could realistically be in 2027.
Community Engagement and Public Information
GeoHardt is committed to engaging with local residents to provide transparency and information regarding the geothermal project. Residents of Rheinau are invited to attend an information market on the energy transition on November 26, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Bürgersaal of the Freien Trägervereins NBH Rheinau.
Additionally, GeoHardt will host information stands at the Rheinau weekly market on December 5 and 12, offering further opportunities for citizens to interact with project representatives. Detailed information and contact options are also available at www.geohardt.de.
GeoHardt: Local Energy, Regional Impact
GeoHardt GmbH is dedicated to producing sustainable heat for the region, through the development, construction, and operation of geothermal plants. The company’s projects ensure a long-term supply of renewable heat to at least 160,000 households in the Rhein-Neckar area.
As a joint venture between EnBW and MVV—two of Germany’s leading energy providers—GeoHardt leverages extensive expertise in energy production and project management to drive the successful deployment of geothermal solutions. By focusing on regional resources, GeoHardt strengthens energy independence while contributing to national and EU climate goals.
Why Geothermal Energy Matters
Geothermal energy is a key technology in the global shift towards sustainable energy systems. Unlike solar or wind, geothermal energy provides a stable, continuous source of heat, unaffected by weather fluctuations. Hydrothermal systems, such as the one planned at Franzosenhäusel, are particularly efficient because they utilize naturally occurring hot water reservoirs, minimizing operational costs and environmental impact.
For cities like Mannheim, geothermal energy presents a viable pathway to decarbonize district heating networks. By replacing fossil-fuel-based heating with renewable geothermal heat, urban areas can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and provide cost-stable energy for residents.
Timeline and Future Prospects
GeoHardt’s project schedule is aligned with the regulatory framework of Baden-Württemberg. Once the mining law permit is approved, preparatory works for the drilling platform will begin, with the first geothermal plant expected to become operational after successful drilling and testing. The company anticipates that the full-scale operation of three plants in the Rhein-Neckar region could significantly transform local heating infrastructure by the end of the decade.
Public Participation and Transparency
Transparency and public involvement are cornerstones of GeoHardt’s approach. The company encourages citizens to attend upcoming events to learn more about geothermal technology, project progress, and potential community benefits. Public feedback will be integrated into the planning process wherever feasible, ensuring that the project aligns with both environmental standards and local community expectations.
Residents interested in learning more or contacting the GeoHardt team can visit www.geohardt.de or attend the scheduled community events. GeoHardt aims to maintain a dialogue with stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
Conclusion: A Milestone for Mannheim and Renewable Energy
The announcement of the Franzosenhäusel site marks a significant milestone for renewable energy in Mannheim. GeoHardt’s geothermal heating project demonstrates the practical application of clean energy technologies in urban settings, reinforcing Germany’s commitment to a sustainable and carbon-neutral future.
Related: OMV GeoTherm NL BV Takes Over Major Parts of Shell’s Dutch Geothermal Portfolio
By tapping into hydrothermal energy resources, Mannheim could soon benefit from a stable, eco-friendly district heating system, setting an example for other cities in Germany and Europe. With the support of local authorities, community engagement, and the expertise of GeoHardt, the path towards renewable district heating in Mannheim is now firmly underway.
source: Geohardt
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