Messe Dortmund introduced HEATEXPO in November 2023 as a brand-new European trade show platform where solution providers in the fields of plant engineering, infrastructure services, consulting and energy supply are working to shape where tomorrow's heating will come from. At the follow-up show on 26 to 28 November 2024, one of the major topics will be the opportunities presented by exploiting geothermal energy. Tickets for HEATEXPO can now be purchased in the online ticket shop.

Dortmund, 25 June 2024 – Messe Dortmund and the German Geothermal Energy Association are working together on HEATEXPO 2024, focusing its content on geothermal energy. The exhibitors include numerous specialist geothermal energy businesses including Eavor GmbH, GNV GmbH, REMKO and Viega, KLINGER Fluid Control, Rud. Otto Meyer Technik GmbH & Co KG, TURBODEN, the Alois Müller Group and Bänninger Kunststoff-Produkte GmbH. Association Chief Executive, Gregor Dilger, explained: “Over 190 exploration licences for district heating plants and other medium and deep-draw geothermal projects testify to the immense interest being shown by municipal utilities, energy suppliers and industrial businesses. In addition, there are numerous projects with near-surface geothermal energy in conjunction with heat pumps and cold local heating grids enabling environmentally friendly and efficient use of geothermal energy in private homes or neighbourhoods. We're delighted that this important topic is going to be addressed again and is set to be even more prominent at this year's HEATEXPO.”

The so-called hydrothermal process is used for medium-depth (400 to 2,500 metres) and high-depth (usually upwards of 2,500 metres) geothermal energy. Naturally occurring hot water deep underground is pumped to the surface, where it transfers its energy via heat exchangers to industrial businesses (for example) or to households via district heating grids. The water then flows back into the depths via a second borehole. Studies show that the state of North Rhine Westphalia has excellent fundamentals for geothermal plants. The latest strategy paper on geothermal energy from six institutions of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and the Helmholtz Association concludes that around 25 % of total heating demand in Germany could be covered by geothermal power.

The NRW Geothermal Energy Master Plan is also geared towards this huge potential. This makes North Rhine Westphalia – Germany's most populous state – the first one to come up with a strategy for utilising net zero geothermal energy. It aims to become a pioneer in this sector. Key measures within the master plan include an exploration and drilling programme to improve the data situation, support from NRW Bank to reduce financial risk, and the promotion of key preliminary exploration measures.