New Lower Saxony Maps Unlock Hidden Potential for Deep Geothermal Energy

A new map series has been released to help boost geothermal energy in Lower Saxony. The Lower Saxony Geothermal Service (NGD) at the State Office for Mining, Energy, and Geology (LBEG) published the data to guide municipalities, planners, and businesses toward promising sites for deep geothermal projects. The maps highlight regions with strong potential for extracting heat from deep underground. They focus on sandstone layers from the Keuper-era Exter Formation, which are over 200 million years old. These layers lie at depths of up to 2,600 metres, where temperatures can exceed 100 degrees Celsius.

Deep geothermal systems work by drilling boreholes into these layers to access thermal water. The heat is then captured at the surface using heat exchangers. Most of Germany’s existing geothermal wells reach depths of 2,000 to 3,500 metres, but North Germany—including Lower Saxony—remains largely untapped. The maps are based on data from more than 1,100 deep boreholes across the region. Despite growing demand from local authorities, utilities, and energy-intensive industries, challenges remain. High drilling costs and the risk of boreholes failing to yield enough heat have slowed development. The new series is available online, with further details accessible via the LBEG website.

The publication of these maps aims to support Lower Saxony’s shift toward geothermal energy as a key part of its energy transition. By identifying the most promising locations, the NGD hopes to reduce risks and encourage investment in deep geothermal projects.