Debate on geothermal energy at the German Bundestag (source: YouTube screenshot, Bundesverband Geothermie)The debate was brought about by a motion for a resolution “Using the potential of geothermal energy – reducing hurdles, minimizing risks, relieving the burden on the electricity sector.” The proposal was introduced by the CDU/CSU parliamentary group.
The proposal calls on the Federal Government to facilitate the approval procedures for near-surface geothermal energy, create a nation-wide open and digital database for subsurface data, introduce risk mitigation measures for deep geothermal energy, develop the legal framework for approval of deep geothermal energy projects, among several other points.
“There are already thousands of tried and tested examples of how heat from the ground can be used sensibly in order to heat houses today. With our application, we are making very specific suggestions as to how we can make further progress,” said Dr. Thomas Gebhart of CDU/CSU at the opening of the debate.
Several speakers cited the success of geothermal in Munich and in the Free State of Bavaria. Sebastian Urlaub of SPD described Munich as the “prime example of good use of geothermal energy.” and Thomas Heilman of CDU/CSU encouraged that the “Bavarian model” be followed. Urlaub also mentioned the potential for the extraction of critical raw materials like lithium from deep geothermal resources, particularly in the Upper Rhine region.
Andreas Mehltretter of SPD also made good mention of the Geretsried project of Eavor GmbH, the first commercial-scale deployment of the Eavor-Loop technology, which had recently been visited by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Addressing the risks of geothermal
Mark Bernhard of AfD was the sole opponent of the resolution, citing seismic issues related to geothermal development in Baden-Württemberg, particularly in the town of Staufen. There was also mention of the groundwater contamination incident in Landau.
Other speakers acknowledged that there are risks associated with geothermal. Konrad Stockmeier of FDP said that the drilling work at Staufen was indeed carried out poorly, and had devastating consequences. However, he also said that technology and practices have been well-developed since then to reduce such risks. He also said that hundreds of geothermal boreholes have since been drilled in Germany with no damage at all.
Prof Dr Armin Grau of the B90/Greens also echoed the sentiment that the technology has advanced greatly in the past years. He acknowledged that there are concerns about geothermal among the population, but these concerns are taken serious and that necessary information is provided.
Gebhard specifically mentioned the “traffic light system” in monitoring for seismic risks during geothermal drilling. The proposal has been put forth after discussion with the experts and on the basis of the latest scientific findings. “We have to deal sensitively with the risks. It would be wrong to make the same mistakes twice.”
Setting up a framework for geothermal
The merits of geothermal energy and the support that it needs were mentioned numerous times during the debate. Bernard Hermann of B90/Greens, along with Mehltretter and Urlaub, spoke in favor of simplifying and speeding up the approval process for geothermal projects.
Risk hedging, funding, and the creation of an open database were also spoken of in favor by different speakers. Dr Andreas Lenz of CDU/CSU said that geothermal should be considered in municipal heat planning from the very beginning.
“I want geothermal energy to be used in such a way that citizens benefit from it. We have to do it hand-in-hand with the people and the municipalities,” said Gebhart. “We have do it right and that is why my appeal to the Government is to not simply reject our proposals but let us be open and honest about the matter, so that we can make meaningful progress for the future of this country.”
“Let us constructively support the potential of geothermal development in Germany together here in Parliament,” said Timo Schisanowski to conclude the debate.
