Geothermal reservoir for heating found in Vienna after detailed seismic study

Concept overview, Aspern Seestadt, Vienna (source: aspern-seestadt.at)

After several years of seismic measurements, the GeoTief Wien project has identified a geothermal reservoir 3000 meters below Vienna that can be used for sustainable heating. A detailed geological model has been released summarizing the findings of the study. With this development, the next steps will involve practical tests in a former exploratory drilling site in the Essling district.

If the results of the practical tests are promising, local utility Wien Energie plans to supply carbon-neutral heating to up to 125,000 homes by 2030.

The GeoTief Wien project is a research project of Wien Energie with AIT, the Federal Geological Agency of Austria, Geo5, Heimenann Oil (HOL), Montan University Leopen, OMV, RAG Austria, the University of Vienna, the University of Salzburg, and the Central Institute for Meteorology.

From 2017 to 2019, the project team conducted seismic measurement surveys in Vienna’s eastern district using a total 16,000 sensors. We had previously reported on the onset of this study. These sensors collected data on seismic reflections, which were then analyzed and merged with existing datasets. The data was also reconciled with existing information on geological structures and subsurface formation in the region.

The detailed geological model presented in October 2021 represents the culmination of the study. The model shows a promising geothermal reservoir located at about 3,000 meters depth in what is referred to as the Aderklaa Conglomerate.  Experts believe that this reservoir hosts geothermal energy with temperatures as high as 100 degrees Celsius and a possible capacity of up to 120 MWth. The location of the reservoir is roughly between the Donaustadt and Simmering districts in eastern Vienna.

The project team now plans to conduct practical tests by spring 2022 to further characterize the reservoir. This will be done in a former exploratory drilling site in the Essling district, east of Donaustadt. The goal of the tests would be to measure the permeability of the host rock.

Source: En:Former