Jan 12, 2026
Government funding to assist in geothermal drilling exploration in Duisburg, Germany.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Protection in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) is providing around EUR 7.5 million to support exploratory drilling for geothermal resources in Duisburg, Germany.
“Duisburg is taking the lead. The local utilities are investing in climate-friendly heating that relies on renewable sources instead of fossil fuels, ensuring long-term affordability. This initiative bolsters climate protection, energy security, and the local economy. We, as a state, back this project as it clearly shows the tangible effects of the energy transition in the heating sector on the community – in Duisburg and beyond,” stated Minister Mona Neubaur.
Exploratory drilling is planned to occur at the municipal utility Stadtwerke Duisburg's site by 2028. Comprehensive planning and permitting will take place over the next two years. If the tests yield positive results, deep geothermal energy could begin providing heating to Duisburg by the early 2030s.
This drilling initiative is part of Stadtwerke Duisburg's goal to achieve a completely climate-neutral district heating system by 2035. It also aligns with the NRW state's Geothermal Energy Master Plan, which aims to meet up to 20% of its heating requirements through geothermal energy by 2045.
The overall investment for this project is projected to be EUR 12.5 million. Thomas Oertel, the project's coordinator, noted that the investment is expected to become profitable after approximately 10 years. “This is the most cost-effective approach to sustainably advancing thermal energy,” Oertel added.
Andreas Gutschek, infrastructure director at Stadtwerke Duisburg, remarked, “This would enable us to reliably provide energy to the residents of Duisburg while maintaining stable long-term prices.”
Past studies on the geothermal heating potential in Duisburg, reported by ThinkGeoEnergy, indicate that thermal waters with temperatures reaching up to 130 °C are anticipated to be located at depth in the area, based on findings from the Geological Survey of North Rhine-Westphalia.
“Duisburg is taking the lead. The local utilities are investing in climate-friendly heating that relies on renewable sources instead of fossil fuels, ensuring long-term affordability. This initiative bolsters climate protection, energy security, and the local economy. We, as a state, back this project as it clearly shows the tangible effects of the energy transition in the heating sector on the community – in Duisburg and beyond,” stated Minister Mona Neubaur.
Exploratory drilling is planned to occur at the municipal utility Stadtwerke Duisburg's site by 2028. Comprehensive planning and permitting will take place over the next two years. If the tests yield positive results, deep geothermal energy could begin providing heating to Duisburg by the early 2030s.
This drilling initiative is part of Stadtwerke Duisburg's goal to achieve a completely climate-neutral district heating system by 2035. It also aligns with the NRW state's Geothermal Energy Master Plan, which aims to meet up to 20% of its heating requirements through geothermal energy by 2045.
The overall investment for this project is projected to be EUR 12.5 million. Thomas Oertel, the project's coordinator, noted that the investment is expected to become profitable after approximately 10 years. “This is the most cost-effective approach to sustainably advancing thermal energy,” Oertel added.
Andreas Gutschek, infrastructure director at Stadtwerke Duisburg, remarked, “This would enable us to reliably provide energy to the residents of Duisburg while maintaining stable long-term prices.”
Past studies on the geothermal heating potential in Duisburg, reported by ThinkGeoEnergy, indicate that thermal waters with temperatures reaching up to 130 °C are anticipated to be located at depth in the area, based on findings from the Geological Survey of North Rhine-Westphalia.