Injection tests to start at Graben-Neudorf geothermal project, Germany

Rig operations at Graben-Neudorf geothermal project site, Germany (source: Deutsche Erdwarme)

Injection tests are set to begin at the existing borehole of the Graben-Neudorf geothermal site near Karlsruhe in Germany. Being developed by Deutsche Erdwärme, the project seeks to harness geothermal energy from a sandstone reservoir at 3800 meters depth to generate both heat and power.

During the injection test, a measuring probe placed in the borehole that will measure the reservoir’s response to fluid injection. This simulates conditions for the reinjection of thermal water already processed in the heating plant. This makes it possible to determine how much water can be injected into the borehole and whether the existing borehole is more suitable for extraction or injection.

The drill site will be illuminated around the clock during the testing period. Several large pumps, a winch truck, and a crane will be on site. The seismic monitoring system, which has been in operation since the beginning of 2022, will continue to monitor the subsurface for potential seismic activity.

Further information and the monitoring data for our project in Graben-Neudorf can be found on the project page.

The first testing phase at the at the Graben-Neudorf geothermal project indicated temperatures of over 200 °C at a depth of 4000 meters. This temperature was higher than expected, prompting the need to adjust the project timeline to source for casing and accessories more suitable to the elevated temperatures.

Source: Deutsche Erdwärme