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INSIDE (DE)

Project ID

Full name

Induzierte Seismizität & Bodendeformation als Interferenzaspekte beim Betrieb von Geothermieanlagen in der Süddeutschen Molasse (Induced seismicity & soil deformation as interference aspects in the operation of geothermal plants in the South German Molasse)

Funding period:

09/2019-08/2022

SWM Services GmbH is the operator of several geothermal plants in the Munich area and plans to install at least 10 more geothermal duplicates by 2040. Its most recent deep geothermal project in the Munich inner city area, the boreholes on Schäftlarnstrasse, comprises six boreholes, each four kilometres deep, which will be completed by 2020. The public acceptance of SWM as a regenerative energy supplier is basically good, but the increased occurrence of induced seismicity in the region demands attention and a transparent handling of the topic by the operators. With INSIDE, SWM, together with its partners IEP and KIT, is addressing questions of seismicity and soil deformation in the vicinity of the wells. Essentially, coupled thermal-hydraulic-mechanical and structural-geological processes in the reservoir and in the bedrock and cap rock are to be measured and investigated. Operational processes will be related to detectable seismic events and, together with the planned scientific investigations, form the basis for the integration of a Reservoir Management System (RMS) into the operation. In INSIDE, the technical prerequisites for handling and evaluating the extensive measured data are to be created and processed for adapted reservoir management in the control centre. On the other hand, fluid-induced seismicity or ground deformation will be predicted using models and modern evaluation methods will be tested using satellite-supported data to detect uplift and subsidence. The measures carried out within the framework of INSIDE go far beyond the requirements of mining law. Together with the well-founded transfer of knowledge, this should create the basis for effective public relations work and a continuing high acceptance of geothermal energy as an alternative energy source