Dec 18, 2025
Geothermal drilling in Prenzlau, Germany reaches its intended depth.
The geothermal heating initiative in Prenzlau, Brandenburg, Germany has achieved a significant milestone with the completion of drilling operations. The well has successfully reached the target depth of 983 meters. Following this, a filter will be placed in the sandstone layers before testing begins, which is anticipated to commence in December 2025.
As noted when drilling began in October, local utility Stadtwerke Prenzlau GmbH plans to fulfill 60% of the district heating requirements through geothermal energy. The borehole is expected to yield thermal water at approximately 44 °C, which will be heated to 80 °C using multiple heat pumps before being supplied to the district heating network. A prior study suggests that 130 cubic meters of thermal water could be extracted every hour, translating to a total capacity of 4.5 MW.
The total estimated cost of the project is EUR 20.7 million, with around 60% allocated to the geothermal plant. Over EUR 8.5 million will be directed towards integrating the three sub-networks in Prenzlau, which will enhance the project's economic feasibility. Stadtwerke Prenzlau has secured a grant of EUR 8.3 million for the project from the Federal Funding Program for Efficient Heating Networks (Bundesförderung für effiziente Wärmenetze / BEW).
“This is an incredible project that I’ve been involved with for years, and I’m thrilled it’s coming to fruition,” said Michael Kellner, State Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs. “Fossil gas will be replaced by environmentally friendly geothermal energy. Prices will remain stable, and we will no longer rely on gas imports. Prenzlau exemplifies how the energy transition can be successful.”
The geothermal project has been well-received by the Prenzlau community due to its non-partisan nature. It represents a climate-friendly energy source that is produced locally, aiding the community's independence from Russian oil. Currently, around 3,700 buildings in Prenzlau are linked to the heating network, with plans to expand this number to 5,500, which would encompass over 50% of the buildings in Prenzlau.
As noted when drilling began in October, local utility Stadtwerke Prenzlau GmbH plans to fulfill 60% of the district heating requirements through geothermal energy. The borehole is expected to yield thermal water at approximately 44 °C, which will be heated to 80 °C using multiple heat pumps before being supplied to the district heating network. A prior study suggests that 130 cubic meters of thermal water could be extracted every hour, translating to a total capacity of 4.5 MW.
The total estimated cost of the project is EUR 20.7 million, with around 60% allocated to the geothermal plant. Over EUR 8.5 million will be directed towards integrating the three sub-networks in Prenzlau, which will enhance the project's economic feasibility. Stadtwerke Prenzlau has secured a grant of EUR 8.3 million for the project from the Federal Funding Program for Efficient Heating Networks (Bundesförderung für effiziente Wärmenetze / BEW).
“This is an incredible project that I’ve been involved with for years, and I’m thrilled it’s coming to fruition,” said Michael Kellner, State Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs. “Fossil gas will be replaced by environmentally friendly geothermal energy. Prices will remain stable, and we will no longer rely on gas imports. Prenzlau exemplifies how the energy transition can be successful.”
The geothermal project has been well-received by the Prenzlau community due to its non-partisan nature. It represents a climate-friendly energy source that is produced locally, aiding the community's independence from Russian oil. Currently, around 3,700 buildings in Prenzlau are linked to the heating network, with plans to expand this number to 5,500, which would encompass over 50% of the buildings in Prenzlau.