Kick-off for Deep Geothermal Project in Lower Austria

Lower Austria aims to use deep geothermal energy for regional heating supply in the coming years. The starting signal for the "generational project" by EVN was given on Tuesday. "From the year 2030, the first deep geothermal plant in the industrial district is to be put into operation, and if all goes well, the second plant by 2035," announced Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner (ÖVP) at a press conference. According to the state press service, 100 million euros will be invested.

Several terawatt hours of heat available

Initially, seismic surveys and further exploratory drilling will determine the exact potential. According to the information, around ten terawatt hours of heat are available along the thermal line in the industrial district, which corresponds to the needs of about 900,000 households. For comparison: there are around 765,000 households in all of Lower Austria. Around 200 to 300 gigawatt hours are to be secured by the early 2030s as part of two major projects, said EVN board director Stefan Szyszkowitz. Now it is important to find the right location and subsequently engage in an "active dialogue" with the citizens, "so that we also find broad acceptance for this use of renewable energy in Lower Austria," he explained.

"Geothermal energy helps us stabilize energy prices"

"With deep geothermal energy, we want to tap into a heat treasure in our state," said Mikl-Leitner. Primarily, households in Lower Austria are to be heated with it. "Geothermal energy helps us stabilize energy prices," the governor noted. No other state has such great potential for deep geothermal energy, said Deputy Governor Stephan Pernkopf (ÖVP). The energy transition "involves more than electricity, namely also the heat transition - it must also reach the heating cellars. Already 63 percent of the total room heat comes from renewable sources, with district heating, three-quarters come from renewable energy," explained the deputy governor. With deep geothermal energy, "we are tapping into the heat source of the future and ensuring more supply security, contributing to climate protection and a sustainable, regional energy future," he emphasized.

(APA/Red)

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