Vattenfall Wärme Berlin AG and Innargi - a company specialising in the development of deep geothermal district heating solutions - have formed a partnership to explore the strategy for utilizing geothermal energy as a climate-friendly heat source for Berlin's district heating supply.
The primary aim of the Memorandum of Understanding between Vattenfall Heat and the Danish geothermal firm is to conduct a technical and economic feasibility study on the use of geothermal energy within Berlin's district heating network. Over the next nine months, both companies will collaboratively analyze geological and technical data to gain an in-depth understanding of geothermal utilization in Berlin as a part of their strategy.
This collaboration is particularly aimed at supporting the Berlin Senate's "Deep Geothermal Energy Roadmap" and achieving the goal of decarbonizing the heating supply by 2045.
"Geothermal energy plays a crucial role in decarbonization and is thus immensely significant for the future of Berlin's district heating. Nonetheless, due to high initial investments and associated exploration risks, this sustainable energy source requires thorough preliminary examination. The findings will offer vital insights into how we can progressively minimize this risk while adhering to the decarbonization schedule. Given its discovery, deep geothermal energy has enormous potential to gradually replace other technologies or fuels in the energy mix."
Christian Feuerherd
Chairman of the Management Board of Vattenfall Heat Berlin
Innargi specialises in the construction and operation of geothermal facilities for district heating and is currently constructing the EU's largest geothermal heating plant in Aarhus, Denmark's second-largest city.
"We owe it to our children and grandchildren to explore the potential of this boundless energy resource beneath our feet in Berlin on a large scale. We are thrilled to embark on this journey with Vattenfall Heat Berlin AG. Geothermal energy, in conjunction with district heating, is crucial for the decarbonization of our heat supply. We are committed to contributing to the ambitious objectives set forth by visionary politicians, authorities and utility companies in Berlin."
Samir Abboud
CEO of Innargi
Currently, there are 43 deep geothermal plants in operation in Germany, with an installed heating capacity of over 400 megawatts. These facilities primarily supply base load heat to district heating networks. In the future, 7 per cent of Vattenfall Wärme Berlin's district heating production in Berlin is expected to be generated from geothermal energy.
Vattenfall Wärme Berlin operates the largest district heating network in Western Europe in Berlin, with more than 2,000 kilometres of lines. Approximately 1.4 million residential units are supplied with hot water heated to 80 to 135°C, which is then converted into usable heat for space heating and hot water in homes.
About the Partners
About Vattenfall: Vattenfall, a leading European energy company owned by the Swedish state, has been at the forefront of industry electrification and household energy supply for over a century. Our vision is a fossil-free future, where everyone has the ability to live, travel, and manufacture in a way that is free from fossil fuels.
About Innargi: Innargi is committed to the decarbonization of heating by leveraging the potential of geothermal energy as a comprehensive, affordable baseload alternative to fossil fuels for district heating companies. Founded in Denmark in 2017 by A.P. Moller Holding A/S, Innargi is now under the ownership of A.P. Moller A/S, ATP, NRGi, and Sampension.
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