Karlsruhe, 12 – 13 March 2026

GeoLaB is being developed as a future underground research laboratory and collaborative platform for geothermal energy research in fractured crystalline rock. The GeoLaB consortium invites the scientific community to actively contribute to this process.

GeoLaB is currently in the final stage of its exploration phase. As part of this phase, two deep boreholes have been drilled into the crystalline rock of the Tromm in the Odenwald, Germany. In addition, two seismic campaigns as well as numerous in situ measurements and laboratory experiments have been carried out.

These investigations provide essential geological, geophysical, hydrogeological, and petrophysical data to assess the site’s suitability as a future underground research laboratory. A digital twin (GeoDT project) has been developed from the outset, integrating extensive datasets.

While the site evaluation is being finalized, GeoLaB is also being advanced conceptually in parallel, and scientific studies are being carried out.

Workshop Objectives

  • Discuss and interpret the data of the exploration phase
  • Identify key scientific challenges and opportunities related to geothermal systems in crystalline rock
  • Develop innovative concepts for experiments, modeling approaches, digitalization, underground infrastructure, and public engagement
  • Contribute to shaping GeoLaB’s scientific roadmap

Keynote Lectures

The workshop will feature distinguished  keynote speakers:

Their contributions will offer strategic perspectives on geothermal research, underground laboratories, modeling approaches, drilling technologies, and the role of research infrastructures in the energy transition.

Publication Opportunity

Authors of accepted abstracts will be invited to submit a full-length manuscript to a dedicated article collection in the peer-reviewed journal Geothermal Energy, published in connection with the workshop.

Explore GeoLaB

🎬 Get an inside look at the GeoLaB exploration phase here: Watch the video.

Venue

The 2nd GeoLaB Scientific Workshop will take place at:

NTI Lecture Hall (Building 30.10)
KIT Campus South
Engesserstraße 5
76131 Karlsruhe, Germany

📍 View the location on Google Maps

The Workshop Program

Explore the GeoLaB workshop program here.