The Large-Scale Helmholtz Research Infrastructure GeoLaB

Against the background of climate change and the geopolitical situation, the worldwide pressure mounts to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and to accelerate the energy transition as quickly as possible. Geothermal technologies have a key role to play in supplying and storing heat. The greatest, yet untapped geothermal potential lies in the crystalline basement with important hotspots in tectonically stressed areas. New targeted, science-based strategies are the key to harness this energy under safe, sustainable, predictable, and efficient conditions. The planned GeoLaB (Geothermal Laboratory in the Crystalline Basement) will address the fundamental challenges of reservoir technology and wellbore safety for deep geothermal projects. Experiments will contribute significantly to understanding the coupled, nonlinear processes associated with high flow rates in crystalline reservoir rocks. The application and development of cutting- edge monitoring, online analysis and visualization tools will provide fundamental knowledge essential for the safe and environmentally sound operation of geothermal energy. As an interdisciplinary and international research platform, GeoLaB will collaborate with universities, industry partners, and professional associations to foster synergies. ... mehrThe transparent nature of the envisaged data acquisition will allow the geoscience community to participate in GeoLaB.