Munich starts construction of the largest geothermal system in Europe in the Michaelibad

Munich starts construction of the largest geothermal system in Europe in the Michaelibad

In Munich, an important construction project has started to revolutionize geothermal energy in the urban heating network. The largest geothermal system of continental Europe is being built in the Michaelibad, which can supply 75,000 people with district heating with a one -off approach. Stadtwerke boss Florian Bieberbach speaks of the possibility of providing "an entire small town". This is a crucial step for the energy transition and the city's climate goals.

The new system will be the seventh in Munich and should be ready for use by 2033. The geothermal technology uses a layer of porous limestone rock, which is located at a depth of around 3000 meters and reaches temperatures of around 100 degrees Celsius. Stadtwerke München (SWM) already have plans for how to use and trace the thermal water. However, Mayor Dieter Reiter emphasizes that the implementation of the project is both expensive and time -consuming due to the situation in the middle of the city.

financing and support for geothermal energy

A central topic remains the financing of complexity. In order to achieve the goal of being climate -neutral by 2040, two thirds of the Munich households must be supplied with district heating, mostly from geothermal energy. The switch to this form of heat supply could cost the city 9.5 billion euros, an amount that the city cannot do alone. Therefore, federal funding was used. Reiter and Bieberbach appealed to Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck to work for more funds to implement the city's ambitious plans. "Fight against the Federal Minister of Finance," said Reiter ironically to Habeck.

Habeck, who was present, was optimistic and emphasized the potential of geothermal energy. "The treasure under our feet is raised," he said, emphasizing that if all cities stepped as quickly as Munich, the heat turnaround would be much further. He also commented on the challenges of the approval processes that would have to be accelerated in order to achieve the climate goals by 2045. In its vision, geothermal energy could provide up to 25 percent of Germany's heating energy.

An important aspect for future implementation is the adaptation of the legal framework. Habeck spoke out for a reform of the debt brake to enable necessary investments in the energy sector. "Our infrastructure is not in good condition," he said, making it clear that a financial model that comes from a time when it was not invested is not sufficient to implement the urgently needed changes over the next two decades.

regional potential and challenges

Especially Upper Bavaria offers optimal conditions for geothermal energy. But Ludwig Hartmann from the Bavarian Greens pointed out that the risks for smaller municipalities can be a challenge. A security fund that distributes the risk of several strong shoulders could offer a solution here. Hartmann emphasized that it was important to provide additional funding and to take responsibility for the Free State

In addition, the pressure on fossil fuels will increase. From 2027, energy sources for private consumers must also be integrated into European CO₂ trade. This means that fossil energies become more expensive, which makes geothermal energy all the more attractive as a CO₂-free energy source. Bieberbach promised that despite the high investments, district heating prices would remain stable. The price for district heating in Munich is currently 15.78 cents per kilowatt hour.

Overall, the project not only shows Munich's commitment to renewable energies, but also offers perspectives and challenges that the city and its citizens will accompany in the coming years. The success of the geothermal system in the Michaelibad could serve as an example for other cities that pursue similar sustainability goals.