| Title | A Geosystem-Integrated Strategy for Optimizing Deep Geothermal Development in the Middle Upper Rhine Region: The DEKAPALATIN-BERTHA Project |
|---|---|
| Authors | E. Meneses Rioseco, G. Lee Exuzian, M. O. Abdelmoula, D. Ravidà, I. Moeck |
| Year | 2026 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | |
| Abstract | The Upper Rhine Graben in Germany is a notable, recent, regional example of the most dynamic advancements in the deployment of deep geothermal energy in Central Europe. However, the region is still dominated by district heating networks primarily fueled by fossil energy sources. Geothermal energy presents significant potential to substitute coal and natural gas in these systems, positioning the region as a strategic focal point for advancing the thermal energy transition in Germany. This work presents the recent progress in the joint research project DEKAPALATIN-BERTHA, which is located in Wörth am Rhein, in the Middle Upper Rhine (MUR), Germany. The MUR region represents a fault-leakage controlled play, whose fault inventory and hydraulic performance are insufficiently understood. The safe development of this type of play requires a targeted exploration strategy supported by high-quality data. This study investigates subsurface heat transport processes with the objective of identifying and quantifying key interdependencies and controlling factors. A central focus is the development and application of advanced dynamic predictive modeling approaches tailored to fracture- and fault-controlled geothermal reservoirs. To enhance the understanding and forecasting of reservoir behavior under various operational scenarios, multi-scale and interdisciplinary datasets are integrated into coupled thermo-hydro-chemical numerical simulations. |