Unlocking the potential of the German subsurface: heat and CO2 storage are safe options for achieving Net-Zero

Within HICAM, we evaluate the contribution that the geological storage of heat or gases can make to the sustainable avoidance of CO2 emissions. To address this issue, we conduct a sensitivity study of the heat storage potential of aquifer systems (ATES) in Northern Germany, considering the geological characterization and the potential areas of interest (urban areas with high population density).

Furthermore, we propose hypothetical CO2 storage networks taking into account geological characterization, realistic pipeline costs, acknowledgement of public acceptance, and "futureproof" emission landscapes. A supplementary combined analysis was performed to evaluate and map the potential underground competition between the two proposed subsurface uses.


presented by Prof. Dr. David Bruhn & Dr. Sven Fuchs (both GFZ Helmholtz-Zentrum Potsdam)
Registration and zoom link for GERICS Colloquium: "Unlocking the potential of the German subsurface: heat and CO2 storage are safe options for achieving Net-Zero", May 26, 5 pm