The deeper you penetrate the earth's core, the hotter it gets. The idea is to use that heat to generate energy on the earth's surface. The so-called Hot-Dry Rock method is being applied in Bochum. First one drills about four kilometres into the earth at a point where one expects to find solid, hot rock at about 110 to 120 °C.
Thorsten Blanke
"We get to that depth, we try to create fissures and cracks in that rock", explains Dr. Thorsten Blanke from the Renewables department at RWE Power. High-pressure water is intended to press the rock apart, thus creating an extensive system of fissures. This is then drilled into again from the other side. The method now calls for cold water to be introduced into the cracks in the hot rock via a borehole. The water heats up against the rock and is brought back to the surface again on the other side at a temperature of about 110 degrees.
How this hot water can then be converted into energy, i.e. electricity, is a significant research commission that RWE has placed with the university. existing low-temperature power plant techniques need to be developed further", stresses Thorsten Blanke. "These can then be applied not only in geothermics, but also in biomass power plants or when using waste heat. Power will actively participate in this research", promises RWE Power Executive Board member Dr. Gerd Jäger.
A drilling derrick will be established in Bochum
A key partner in the project is also RWE Dea, whose expert know-how in the fields of geosciences and drilling technology is inestimable, says Blanke. The feasibility study for the Prometheus project has been completed and preparations are now under way for phase two. Contracts should be awarded in the summer of next year, and the drill will start work in the second half of the year. Practically every metre towards the earth's core will be accompanied by extensive investigation. Creation of the pit itself is thus only expected at the end of 2007.
the field of research and development, we work on all opportunities for efficient and environmentally compatible generation of power that promise success" declared Board member Jäger. Overall, the scientists from the university and the experts from RWE are hoping to gain important insight into the feasibility of such geothermal projects. it works in Bochum, it can be done at many places in Germany", Blanke is convinced. But he warns against exaggerated expectations. The drilling costs are still immense, so the technology needs to be developed further for this kind of project so that, in the end, projects can be viable.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Gerhard Wagner, headmaster of the University; Hans Peter Sistenich, Vice President Renewable Power Generation, RWE Power AG; Dr. Armin Eichholz, senior mananger power stations region east sign the contract.
