Berlin plans to harness geothermal energy: DMT commissioned to investigate the potential of deep geological layers for heat generation
Essen/Berlin, 26 June 2025 – In the coming years, Berlin intends to make greater use of geothermal energy to supply urban neighbourhoods and industrial facilities with climate-neutral heat from deep underground. To this end, the Senate Department for Mobility, Transport, Climate Protection and the Environment (SenMVKU) has now awarded a contract to DMT, a company within the TÜV NORD GROUP, to investigate the geothermal potential.
DMT’s so-called ‘vibro-trucks’ send seismic pulses into the ground, which are reflected by the rock formations and picked up by a network of receiver modules (geophones) laid out across the site. The method used provides important information on the nature of the subsurface down to a depth of several kilometres. In addition, further insights are gained into the requirements and challenges of such measurements in an urban environment.
DMT supports the SenMVKU in the planning, development and implementation of deep geothermal projects, thereby contributing to sustainable heat supply, decarbonisation and energy independence for the capital. The results of the pilot project may also serve as a guide for future projects in other major cities, as many cities face similar challenges when carrying out seismic measurements – for example, due to underground infrastructure such as underground railway tunnels and utility lines, or above-ground transport routes – which make seismic measurements particularly challenging.
Following the completion and analysis of the pilot measurement in Berlin, the next step will be a further measurement campaign, which will provide information on the feasibility of using geothermal energy from great depths for the entire capital region.
Across Germany, too, deep geothermal energy plays a central role in future energy and heating policy. In its coalition agreement, the new federal government emphasises the strategic importance of this renewable heat source and is making substantial funding available for almost every stage of the project.
“Deep geothermal energy is a key element in a sustainable and independent heat supply. It is indispensable if Germany is to achieve its targets for the ‘heat transition’. The political framework is also clear: geothermal energy is set to form a cornerstone of climate-friendly heat supply in future. With the pilot seismic survey in Berlin, we are starting precisely there – we are laying the geoscientific foundations to harness the potential of deep geological layers, even in urban areas,” says Dr Maik Tiedemann, CEO of DMT GmbH & Co. KG and CEO of the TÜV NORD GROUP’s Energy & Resources business unit.
As a general planner and contractor for deep geothermal energy, DMT supports numerous projects across Germany and Europe – for example, by carrying out feasibility studies, drawing up operational plans, handling permitting processes, conducting site surveys, carrying out POS studies and reservoir development, right through to the planning and construction of heating (and power) plants. Geothermal projects such as those in Munich or the Upper Rhine Graben already demonstrate how planning and exploration work can be successfully carried out even in complex urban environments.