GeoLaB

What is GeoLaB?

GeoLaB is a research project on the future use of geothermal energy for a secure energy supply. A particularly large amount of this heat lies in deep underground in hot, crystalline rock. With GeoLaB, research is to be carried out in an underground research laboratory into how this heat source can be sustainably tapped and used to heat buildings in the future. You can find out more about the project, its goals and the people behind it here. Research at GeoLaB is presented here.

Project phases of GeoLaB

During the current exploration phase, scientists or specialised companies commissioned by them will be carrying out investigations near Wald-Michelbach, Grasellenbach and Rimbach over the next few months. The aim is to clarify the question: Is the area around the Tromm really geologically suitable for the research laboratory?

Various investigations are planned, for which authorisation will be applied for from the Hessian Mining Inspectorate. They will all help to find out more about the geological structures. You can find out more about these investigations here.

If the investigations in the exploration phase show that the Tromm area is a sensible research site, the planning continues: the construction phase begins. Extensive questions need to be answered: Where
could the tunnel be built? How can the construction site and access road be organised? Once the permits have been issued by the Hessian Mining Inspectorate, a tunnel for the GeoLaB research laboratory will be built into the mountain. The laboratory will be set up in the tunnel, where the research work will then take place once construction is complete. You can find out what this tunnel could look like and what work will be required here.

Where should the project be implemented and why exactly there?

The GeoLaB project team is currently working on the assumption that the Odenwald, or more precisely the Tromm Massif, is particularly suitable for exploring the use of crystalline rock for geothermal energy. Here, the rock is close to the surface. This would make it easier to observe the processes that take place deep underground when geothermal energy is used in a future research laboratory. Read more about the site selection here.

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