Major Geothermal Project in Munster-Bispingen Gets Green Light
A major geothermal project in Munster-Bispingen has received a significant boost. The State Office for Mining, Energy and Geology (LBEG) has granted Stadtwerke Heide, through its subsidiary Heide-Geo, the right to call itself a mining company. This approval paves the way for the expansion of an existing borehole, saving millions in drilling costs.
The project, with roots dating back to 2008, involves the reuse of an existing borehole from Exxon-Mobil. By deepening it by about 40 meters and deflecting it to a target horizon of around five kilometers, Heide-Geo aims to tap water from the rock at a depth of 150 meters. This expansion is estimated to save over 20 million euros in drilling costs.
The LBEG's decision, made in 2025, confirms the project's viability and positive impact. It allows Stadtwerke Heide, the first city utilities in the state to be granted such permission, to proceed with its geothermal ambitions. The heat will be extracted in a closed circuit, with hot water from 5000 meters depth being extracted and lowered back via a second borehole. A heat exchanger will facilitate the heat extraction process.
Jan Niemann, managing director of City Works, expressed his delight at the decision, describing it as 'our knighting'. The project has already received over seven million euros in funding, demonstrating the confidence in its potential.
With the LBEG's approval, Stadtwerke Heide and Heide-Geo can now proceed with their geothermal project, aiming to provide sustainable energy to the region. The project's success could pave the way for similar initiatives in the future, contributing to Germany's renewable energy goals.
