Potsdam initiates deep geothermal drilling project

Potsdam has launched a major geothermal drilling project at the Potsdam Süd heating power plant to transition its district heating system away from fossil fuels. The initiative aims to supply thousands of households with renewable energy, supporting the city's goal to generate all district heating without fossil fuels by 2035.

A 30-meter drilling rig has been operating nearly continuously since July, with plans to reach depths of up to 1,500 meters to locate warm water. The project involves an estimated investment of 78 million euros. While project leaders at the municipal utility EWP express confidence based on preliminary studies, the exact volume of extractable thermal energy remains uncertain.

This effort follows a successful geothermal installation at a former tram depot in Potsdam, which has been operational since 2024. That facility currently provides four megawatts of thermal power, doubling its original expectations, and serves a new residential district.