EnBW announced that the seismic measurements of GeoHardt have been completed. From 14 January to 15 February, the subsurface was examined by means of vibration measurements in an area of almost 7,000 hectares along the boundaries of the seven municipalities of Mannheim, Brühl, Ketsch, Schwetzingen, Plankstadt, Heidelberg and Oftersheim. With the help of the measurements, locations are to be identified that are suitable for the construction of geothermal heating systems due to the geological nature of the subsoil.

The measurements were carried out with the help of vibration vehicles, which emit vibrations into the ground via vibrating plates. The resulting seismic waves are reflected underground by various rock layers and recorded at the earth's surface via so-called geophones. It is a standard procedure that is regularly used for measurements of this kind, both for the exploration of geothermal energy and gas and oil. The vibrations correspond approximately to the well-known soil vibrators known from road construction sites and with which, for example, the base course of pavements or roads is shaken.

During the measurements, the limit values for vibration were constantly checked. In areas with particularly densely built-up areas, both the number of measuring points and the number of vibration vehicles used were specifically adapted. In places with particularly sensitive infrastructure, measurements were completely dispensed with.

In the coming months, the data collected from the 3D seismic measurements will be evaluated and converted into a three-dimensional model of the geological subsurface of the region. The model should be available by late summer this year.

In the foreseeable future, the supply of district heating from the Mannheim power plant GKM will also end in the course of the coal phase-out. With their joint venture GeoHardt, EnBW and MVV have joined forces to secure the climate-friendly heat supply in the region with baseload-capable renewable heat from thermal water. For this purpose, up to three geothermal heating systems are to be built in the region. The partners can draw on many years of experience in geothermal energy.

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