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Abstract

Geothermal energy rather takes a subordinate position among renewable energy sources. There are two possible sources for it: the radioactive decay of natural radio nuclides which causes the spreading of heat onto the earth surface, and the storage of solar energy in the top earth layers. For this reason, geothermal energy is available in many places and independent from the different seasons of the year, even if some regions do have a higher potential than others. This applies, for example, to the town of Erding in Bavaria, which uses water obtained from a depth of 2,000 m both as a heat source and as material. For this purpose, a district-heating system has been planned for several new neighbourhoods, as well as new thermal baths in the area.

Keywords: Geothermal energy

This case study was prepared by Energie-Cités in cooperation with Zweckverband für Geowärme Erding (Geothermal Special-Purpose Association), and with the financial support of European Commission Energy and Transport DG within the scope of the ALTENER Programme.