Under the agenda item “Innovation”, a technology was presented at the donors' meeting of the Oberland Energiewende (EWO) that is intended to solve the problem that has hindered the use of geothermal energy so far.
District
- Keyword use of geothermal energy in the Oberland energy transition: The boreholes in the Oberland have so far failed not because of a lack of heat, but rather because of the lack of water in the subsurface. Daniel Moelk, the managing director of the company "Eavor", who was connected to the online meeting of the Oberland energy transition from a geothermal congress in Reykjavik, presented the project with which the technology is to be tested in Geretsried.
Essentially, it consists of laying pipes at great depths through which a liquid is pumped, which absorbs geothermal energy and transports it to a power station on the earth's surface.
Such a system does not need a water-bearing layer in the subsoil, so it can be built anywhere, including directly where heat and electricity are needed.
According to Moelk, the planned test facility will have an electrical output of eight megawatts and a thermal output of 45 megawatts.
Comparison with Iceland
At the congress in Iceland, where geothermal energy already provides 99 percent of the required heat and 25 percent of the electricity, there is a mood of optimism, according to Moelk.
The new technology is "a small revolution".
For Germany it is also important as a "technology for export".
The mayor of Otterfing, Michael Falkenhahn, wants to bake slightly smaller rolls for the Oberland energy transition.
As he said, the three wind turbines planned by Aying, Sauerlach and Otterfing should deliver electricity as early as 2023.
Citizens should also be able to participate in the facilities.
Adaptation to changed climatic situation necessary
According to Professor Matthias Garschagen from the Ludwig Maximilians University in Munich, an adaptation to the changing climate situation must take place regardless of the energy transition.
The recent catastrophes are “just a foretaste of what is to come”.
Everyone has to make their house flood-proof, for example by installing backflow valves in the sewer pipe, and take out appropriate insurance.
For their part, the municipalities would have to identify the areas threatened by flooding and implement flood protection measures.
There is no time to lose: Flood protection costs a lot, but nobody costs more.
Environmental education plays a major role
According to the chairman of the foundation's board of directors, Stefan Drexlmeier, the Oberland energy transition wants to expand its offerings and “open up new topics”.
Environmental education plays a major role in this.
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Josef Kellner, sees the full supply of renewable energy as the goal, but says: “The way there will be tough.” Currently, only 41 percent of the electricity, ten percent of the heat and three percent of the The energy required for mobility comes from renewable sources.
Kellner sees hydrogen technology as an opportunity, but reckons that Germany will have to import energy in the long term.
Alfred Schubert
