Use of deep geothermal energy for a climate neutral heat

The project GECKO led by the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) includes three sub-projects, of which the first focuses at natural and engineering science, whereas the second and third approach the subject in a socio-scientific way. All three sub-projects work together in an interdisciplinary manner. The transdisciplinarity approach refers to the concept development of the use of deep geothermal energy at Campus North with the local population and employees of KIT. The KIT Campus North is located on the largest known thermal anomaly in Germany with approx. 170 ° C at a depth of 3 km. The first-class scientific and technical expertise in the field of deep geothermal energy and technology assessment and system analysis at KIT as well as the experience of the Öko-Institut e.V. with transdisciplinary work offer ideal conditions for the realization of the project. Following the scientific and technical state of the art, in GECKO, criteria and scenarios for the use of deep geothermal energy at KIT Campus North will be developed in a co-design. It bases on laboratory tests as well as geological and thermo-hydraulic-mechanical coupled numerical models on the one side and expertise of the local population that results from own experience. The implementation of this co-design is a first step towards improving the transparency in planning and implementation of long-term infrastructure projects for the Wärmewende in Baden-Württemberg demanded by society. The co-design developed in the project is intended to serve as a model for other necessary infrastructure measures for the heating system in Baden-Württemberg.