Potential for geothermal energy production discovered in southwest Saxony

In the search for ways to generate climate-friendly energy, there are promising indications of a possible use of geothermal energy in Lengenfeld in the Vogtland district. According to the State Office for the Environment, Agriculture and Geology, initial evaluations of comprehensive seismic measurements show that there is a loosening zone at a depth of two to three kilometers within the granite massif. This zone could be of interest for deep geothermal energy due to its geological properties.

Deep geothermal energy enables the use of geothermal energy from a depth of several thousand meters through drilling. The investigations commissioned by the State Environment Agency are part of a project to explore the geothermal potential of the granite massif in southwest Saxony. It extends underground from Schönbrunn to Eichigt. In addition to determining the depth of the granite massif, the focus was on investigating permeable fissure systems in which thermal waters could circulate. These fissure systems would be crucial for geothermal use in the region.

Paving the way for future research wells

The measurement data obtained will now be analyzed further. A detailed model of the subsurface is to be created by mid-2025, on the basis of which research drilling for geothermal energy extraction could begin in around two years' time. According to the State Environment Agency, the current interim results are an "important step towards the potential use of deep geothermal resources in the region".