A project at the heart of energy transition
With over 40 years of experience in geothermal energy, the Rhine Graben plays a role in the development of renewable energies. The Rhine Graben regional project is part of this dynamic, with major objectives:
- Map and characterize the diversity of Rhine Graben reservoirs.
- Characterize and model geothermal systems to secure their potential and facilitate the establishment of future electricity production sites.
- Structure a new framework for subsurface use (based on the Strasbourg demonstrator) demonstrating research and responsible innovation capacity in industrial development.
2024-2025: achieved objectives and ambitious challenges
From March 5 to 7, 2025, 36 project members gathered in Strasbourg to exchange on progress made in 2024 and plan actions for 2025. Discussions focused on the different work axes (workpackages) and the first results obtained.
On March 7, participants visited the deep geothermal power plant in Rittershoffen, operated by Électricité de Strasbourg. This visit addressed crucial subjects such as induced seismicity and lithium exploitation projects.
The year 2024, corresponding to the project's first effective year, made it possible to launch all tasks and thus most of the objectives set were achieved. It is the opinion of the entire project community that the work is proceeding at a good pace, with no delays or major problems. The year 2025 should allow for significant progress with the achievement of the first concrete results within the different work axes:
Axis 1: Characterization of geothermal reservoirs
- Finalize installation of monitoring equipment (inclinometers, GPS, optical fibers).
- Begin processing collected data to better understand active deformations of the Rhine Graben.
Axis 2: Modeling and exploitation
- Develop conceptual geometric models to simulate deep fluid circulations.
- Integrate fault sets into models to assess their impact on underground circulations.
Axis 3: Responsible research and innovation
- Complete the media corpus to analyze public perceptions of deep geothermal energy.
- Develop participatory science tools to involve citizens in seismic monitoring.
Participant·e·s à la réunion annuelle du projet le 06 mars 2025.
© CORREIA Caroline (EOST)/UNISTRA)
Participant·e·s à la réunion annuelle du projet, en visite à la centrale de géothermie profonde de Rittershoffen, le 07 mars 2025.
© CORREIA Caroline (EOST)/UNISTRA)
Participant·e·s à la réunion annuelle du projet, en visite à la centrale de géothermie profonde de Rittershoffen, le 07 mars 2025.
© CORREIA Caroline (EOST)/UNISTRA)
Toward sustainable and responsible geothermal energy
The Rhine Graben regional project illustrates how scientific research and technological innovation can transform subsurface resource exploitation. In the coming years, the advances made will pave the way for safer, more sustainable and collaborative exploitation of deep geothermal energy, thus contributing to energy transition and sustainable development, while strengthening the commitment of citizens and economic actors.