Worldwide the demand in energy is increasing continuously. The awareness that fossil energy resources are limited and the fluctuation of crude oil- and natural gas prices were leading internationally and nationally to the recognition of geothermal energy as a possible energy source among the renewable energies (Rummel et al., 1993).
Geothermal energy is the heat of the earth. According to technical applications geothermal energy can be classified into three different natural systems, the shallow geothermal system, the hydrothermal low or high pressure systems and the hot dry rock system. These three systems of geothermal energy are described according to their possibilities of technical application. Legal requirements are playing a significant role in the application of geothermal energy as well as the political situation with regard to energy politics in the different states of Germany.
Special attention is given to the state Brandenburg. At first the geologic conditions have to be outlined. From the geologic conditions and the energy political situation as well as the supply and demand structure in Brandenburg, the potential for the use of geothermal energy is arising. Applications of geothermal energy started in the beginning of the 20th century in Brandenburg are in form of thermal springs. In the second half of the 20th century the use in Brandenburg turned to the utilization of shallow geothermal energy and later to deep geothermal energy projects. Today mainly the shallow geothermal energy systems are used commercially because they are economically wise in contrast to deep geothermal energy systems which can not be used economically wise yet. Their technology is still under development. Current projects will show their stage of development.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1. Use of natural heat of the earth until today
1.2. Definition of geothermal energy
2. Main features of geothermal energy
2.1. The different types of geothermal energy sources
2.2. Technology of geothermal energy and technological problems in connection with possible ecological effects
2.2.1. Hydrothermal energy technology
2.2.2. Hot dry rock method
2.2.3. Shallow geothermal application systems
2.3. Legal and political aspects
2.3.1. Legal requirements
2.3.2. Energy political measures
3. Geothermal energy in Brandenburg
3.1. Geology of Brandenburg
3.1.1. Character of the landscape
3.1.2. Present day climatic condition
3.1.3. Geological and hydrological overview of Brandenburg
3.1.4. Relations between tectonic structure and temperature distribution in Brandenburg
3.1.5. The temperature distribution in Brandenburg
3.1.6. Chemical composition of thermal water in Brandenburg
3.2. Geothermal potential of Brandenburg
3.3. Application of geothermal energy in Brandenburg now and then
3.4. Economical aspects
3.5. Current projects in Brandenburg
3.6. Possible future development
4. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Topics
The primary objective of this bachelor thesis is to evaluate the technical, geological, and economic potential of geothermal energy in the state of Brandenburg, Germany. The research addresses the current status of geothermal utilization, the technological requirements for various applications, and the legal and political framework necessary to promote geothermal energy as a viable renewable energy source in the region.
- Demonstration of existing geothermal technologies applied in Germany.
- Comprehensive analysis of the geological conditions and geothermal potential specific to Brandenburg.
- Assessment of legal and energy-political prerequisites for geothermal project implementation.
- Evaluation of economic feasibility and prospects for future development of deep and shallow geothermal energy systems.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1. Usage of natural heat of the earth until today
The heat in the inner of the earth has always been a matter of consideration in human life. The oldest kind to utilise geothermal energy is the use of warm water in baths. A first peak in using geothermal heat was during the Roman Empire in Europe and in the eastern Mediterranean region in form of thermal baths. In regions of cold and temperate climate like Iceland having geological favourable sites, other possibilities for the use of geothermal energy were found out like cooking and heating. Although the importance of spas and thermal baths is still increasing today, the significance of geothermal energy as substitute for fossil energy sources is much higher nowadays. Since the dependence on limited fossil energy sources was understood the relevance of renewable energies as primary energy carrier has been increasing rapidly (Buntebarth, 1980).
During the 18th century the first investigation and calculations were taking place with regard to the temperature distribution below the surface. Starting with hypothetical assumptions about the heat inside the earth by many scientists like Descartes, Leibniz and later Fourier the research of geothermal heat began which is today a part of geophysics. The first practical application of geothermal energy was carried out in 1827 in Laderello, Italy heating a tank for the production of boric acid. In Laderello the generation of electric power out of geothermal energy began in 1904 (Kühn, 1988). In 1912 the first generator with an installed capacity of 250 kW was used economically fed by hot vapour. Today two power units with each 150 MW installed capacity are in operation, using a hydrothermal steam reservoir in 3000 meters depth.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Provides an overview of the historical use of geothermal energy and defines the basic scientific concept of geothermal heat.
2. Main features of geothermal energy: Discusses different geothermal energy sources, technical methods for heat extraction, and the legal and political framework in Germany.
3. Geothermal energy in Brandenburg: Analyzes the specific geology, temperature distribution, economic aspects, and current pilot projects regarding geothermal use in Brandenburg.
4. Conclusion: Summarizes the potential for future geothermal energy use in the region and assesses the role of economic factors versus current technological capabilities.
Keywords
Geothermal Energy, Brandenburg, Renewable Energy, Hydrothermal Systems, Hot Dry Rock, Heat Pumps, Geological Potential, Energy Policy, Thermal Water, Sustainable Energy, Deep Drilling, Tectonic Structure, Economic Feasibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this thesis?
The thesis focuses on evaluating the geothermal potential of the state of Brandenburg, covering geological, technological, and economic perspectives for both shallow and deep geothermal energy.
What are the primary geothermal energy systems described?
The work distinguishes between shallow geothermal systems, hydrothermal low- and high-enthalpy systems, and the hot dry rock method.
What is the ultimate goal of the research?
The goal is to determine if geothermal energy can act as a viable substitute for fossil fuel-based energy in Brandenburg by analyzing existing technology and political support mechanisms.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The study utilizes a review of existing technical literature, an analysis of geological data (temperature gradients, reservoir characteristics), and an economic evaluation of current heat plant projects.
What does the main part of the work cover?
The main part covers the geological stratification of Brandenburg, the temperature distribution in the subsurface, current operational projects (e.g., in Prenzlau and Groß Schönebeck), and economic cost analyses.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include geothermal energy, Brandenburg, geological potential, heat pumps, renewable energy, and hydrothermal reservoirs.
What is the significance of the "chimney effect" mentioned in the text?
The chimney effect refers to the phenomenon where specific geological structures, such as salt stocks, influence local temperature fields due to their high thermal conductivity compared to surrounding rocks.
How does the author evaluate the economic viability of power generation from hot dry rock in Brandenburg?
The author notes that while hot dry rock has high potential, its economic viability is currently constrained by high exploration costs and the need for further technological development in rock stimulation.
- Quote paper
- M.Sc. Sandra Gerlach (Author), 2004, Geothermal energy in the state Brandenburg, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/25376
