Our research includes numerical simulations, laboratory studies, and field experiments to develop efficient storage technologies for CO₂ and hydrogen and enhance the understanding of underground storage processes.

Supercritical water stores and transports significantly more energy in the form of heat than conventional geothermal fluids. Electricity generation from supercritical geothermal reservoirs is therefore potentially the most efficient method of converting geothermal energy into electricity. However, as the behaviour of fluids under supercritical conditions is complex and difficult to predict, there is a considerable need for research into their economic extraction and use.

In the view of the increasing societal need for critical raw materials for the energy and digital transition, we establish an overview on which strategic elements are abundant in geothermal fluids, determine their origin, develop methods for selective extraction, and investigate the long-term sustainability of a combined extraction of heat and critical raw materials from geothermal reservoirs.

Hydrothermal geothermal energy utilises hot deep water from sedimentary reservoirs for sustainable heat and power generation. This renewable energy source is weather-independent, base-load capable and offers considerable potential for urban heat supply. We are researching innovative exploration methods, geothermal models and optimised extraction technologies to further improve the development, efficiency and sustainability of these systems. Our research contributes to the safe, economical and environmentally friendly utilisation of hydrothermal resources.

Petrothermal energy describes the heat stored in a hot rock mass with limited permeability. It has by far the greatest geothermal potential, but also the lowest technology readyness level. We are therefore exploring innovative ways to harness heat from petrothermal reservoirs in a safe, efficient, reliable and sustainable manner, using both Enhanced Geothermal System technologies and closed-loop systems.

We advance large scale heat storage in the underground in order to efficiently store renewable excess heat in summer for its usage in winter. In order to optimise underground storage performance and minimise environmental impacts, we characterise the thermal, hydraulic, geochemical and microbiological interactions caused by storage operation.

A target-oriented application of geoenergetic utilization concepts requires sufficient subsurface knowledge. We develop adapted parameterized subsurface models taking into account the geological frame conditions and well-documented subsurface data, which are collected and interpreted in multidisciplinary cooperation. Our goal is to optimize the use of geoenergetic resources and minimize potential environmental impacts in order to support a sustainable site development.