Lecture: Geothermal Technologies in the Built Environment in Europe - Using the Deep and Shallow Subsurface for Heating and Cooling

Lecture by David Bruhn, GFZ Potsdam, International Centre for Geothermal Research, and Professor for Geothermal Engineering at TU Delft
Hosted by the Urban Energy Institute
Date: Wednesday 4 November 2020
Time: 4-5pm CET
Moderator: Ivo Pothof

The stable and elevated temperatures in the subsurface provide a reliable and abundant source for heating and cooling everywhere in Europe. The utilization of this resource, however, varies considerably, depending on subsurface conditions and on heating&cooling requirements. While on average the temperatures in the subsurface increase by 3°C/100m depth, temperatures can be much higher in regions with volcanic activity, while other regions can be much colder. Independent on temperature gradient, shallow geothermal resources can be used through heat pumps and borehole heat exchangers, and excess heat in the summer months can be stored in shallow or deeper aquifers to be used in the heating period. The exploitation of deeper geothermal resources usually requires the presence of a fluid at depth, in most cases water or steam, for applications in district heating systems or for heating and cooling of larger buildings. While such deep geothermal systems are widely spread in Europe, they do vary significantly regionally and are more challenging and expensive in their development. Because of their ability to provide energy 24/7, largely free of greenhouse gas emissions, however, they are seeing a boom in some regions throughout Europe. The presentation will give an overview of the different technologies and give examples of their development and utilization in Europe.

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