Jan 8, 2026
A significant seismic survey for geothermal exploration is set to start in Erfurt, Germany.
A 3D seismic survey is set to commence by March 2026 to investigate and assess potential geothermal resources beneath the city of Erfurt in Germany. This will mark a first for the state of Thuringia, involving the placement of approximately 19,000 geophones across a study area of around 136 square kilometers.
Local utility Stadtwerke Erfurt is leading the project, with Geofizyka Torun SA contracted for the seismic survey. Preparatory actions have already begun following the official announcement from the company in December 2025. A crucial aspect of this stage is the permitting process managed by GEO-Service K. Bittner GmbH, which is coordinating with landowners, farmers, and local authorities on behalf of the municipal utility.
The seismic survey is planned to start in mid-March 2026, lasting about 55 to 65 days. The exploration will cover the entire city of Erfurt and surrounding regions, totaling 700 kilometers of survey routes.
The project will have a budget of EUR 5.8 million, with EUR 2.4 million coming from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) and the remainder funded by the municipal utility's own resources.
After analyzing the data, the utility will determine the next steps for the project. If the findings are positive, exploratory drilling may commence as early as 2028.
Erfurt had expressed interest in assessing the feasibility of geothermal heating as early as 2023. Initial plans for a seismic survey were scheduled for summer 2025 but were ultimately postponed.
The project is also benefiting from scientific collaboration with a research team at TU Bergakademie Freiberg (TUBAF). A significant challenge in Erfurt is that the Erfurt Basin and the surrounding subsurface remain largely unexplored. Therefore, a new 3D seismic method is being proposed to characterize the subsurface down to the crystalline basement rock.
“Wide-angle seismics, as an extension of 3D seismics, plays a crucial role in enhancing structural geological models at significant depths,” stated Stefan Buske, who leads the project at TUBAF. The 3D wide-angle seismic element is specifically tailored for depths of five to seven kilometers.
The pilot project in Erfurt could have broader implications for geothermal energy deployment across Germany. While crystalline rocks are common in Germany, they have not yet been utilized as reservoir rocks for geothermal heat extraction. If the 3D wide-angle method proves effective, it could significantly advance seismic exploration for deep geothermal resources in crystalline rocks, even in areas previously deemed unsuitable.
Local utility Stadtwerke Erfurt is leading the project, with Geofizyka Torun SA contracted for the seismic survey. Preparatory actions have already begun following the official announcement from the company in December 2025. A crucial aspect of this stage is the permitting process managed by GEO-Service K. Bittner GmbH, which is coordinating with landowners, farmers, and local authorities on behalf of the municipal utility.
The seismic survey is planned to start in mid-March 2026, lasting about 55 to 65 days. The exploration will cover the entire city of Erfurt and surrounding regions, totaling 700 kilometers of survey routes.
The project will have a budget of EUR 5.8 million, with EUR 2.4 million coming from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) and the remainder funded by the municipal utility's own resources.
After analyzing the data, the utility will determine the next steps for the project. If the findings are positive, exploratory drilling may commence as early as 2028.
Erfurt had expressed interest in assessing the feasibility of geothermal heating as early as 2023. Initial plans for a seismic survey were scheduled for summer 2025 but were ultimately postponed.
The project is also benefiting from scientific collaboration with a research team at TU Bergakademie Freiberg (TUBAF). A significant challenge in Erfurt is that the Erfurt Basin and the surrounding subsurface remain largely unexplored. Therefore, a new 3D seismic method is being proposed to characterize the subsurface down to the crystalline basement rock.
“Wide-angle seismics, as an extension of 3D seismics, plays a crucial role in enhancing structural geological models at significant depths,” stated Stefan Buske, who leads the project at TUBAF. The 3D wide-angle seismic element is specifically tailored for depths of five to seven kilometers.
The pilot project in Erfurt could have broader implications for geothermal energy deployment across Germany. While crystalline rocks are common in Germany, they have not yet been utilized as reservoir rocks for geothermal heat extraction. If the 3D wide-angle method proves effective, it could significantly advance seismic exploration for deep geothermal resources in crystalline rocks, even in areas previously deemed unsuitable.