If everything goes well, then in three and a half years it could be time: the first heat feed into the energy network from the Vaterstetten geothermal energy. “An ambitious goal, but achievable,” said Georg Kast, economic promoter of the municipality and board of directors of the municipal utilities, at the most recent meeting of the Vaterstetten municipal council. A goal behind which the entire committee gathered – the municipal councils unanimously approved a fundamental resolution that provides for the implementation of an economically viable geothermal project by winter 2025/2026. It is the largest heating project in the Ebersberg district that has existed so far – and will probably also exist, as Kast said.
Klaus Dorsch from Erdwerk GmbH presented the results of the geological feasibility study commissioned by the municipality in the summer of 2021 to the municipal councils. Accordingly, the 72.5 square kilometer area for which the business enterprise had issued an exploration permit for geothermal energy at the beginning of the year – a so-called “claim” – is in the area of a molasse basin. This means ideal conditions for geothermal energy generation. The temperature of the pumped water would be between 91.4 and 94.4 degrees Celsius. “But there can also be major anomalies,” said Dorsch. Temperatures below 90 degrees, but also beyond 100 degrees can occur, but not constantly. The cost of the project would amount to approximately 18.4 million euros.
The expert estimates the risk of incorrect drilling to be very low
But what about mis-drilling? Is there a risk of drilling, but no or too little heat can be extracted? That’s what FDP local councilor Klaus Willenberg asked the experts. Dorsch made it clear that there is no such thing as zero risk, but “relatively good security”. So sure that he would drill even without risk insurance?, Willenberg continued. “I would say yes,” Dorsch replied. “You also have to look at what the alternatives for generating energy would be.” And there is currently not exactly an oversupply of these.
After the geological conditions had been clarified, Georg Kast led the discussion about economic factors, because the tense financial situation in the community of Vaterstetten means that the situation is as Mayor Leonhard Spitzauer (CSU) said at the beginning of the meeting: “We can we can’t afford to run a deficit here.” Kast said that the calculation of profitability was very conservative, “so that we are on the safe side”. A connection rate of 60 percent from the municipal area is expected – in the meantime one can even count on a higher rate. “People are running into our booth and asking when and how they can get away from their gas heating,” says Kast.
The profitability depends on large customers outside of Vaterstetten
However, it is already certain that the project is dependent on large customers who are located outside of their own municipal area in order not to run into an economic deficit. Talks have been held with the municipalities of Zorneding and Grasbrunn in the neighboring district of Munich from the outset – according to Kast, Zorneding will soon even have a corresponding decision on cooperation. The municipal company is now also in negotiations with the neighboring municipality of Haar, also in the Munich district.
Working with third parties outside of Vaterstetten “could be a turbocharger” for the profitability of the project, Kast continued. Because this is relatively constant and in any case bearable, even if the temperatures are lower than expected or fewer households in the community are connected. However, the profitability can be increased exponentially through more cooperation with third parties. Kast emphasized that nobody in Vaterstetten would have to worry that they would end up with nothing when connecting their own private household – “I don’t see such a scenario on the horizon”.
In addition, a federal funding program is on the way that could cover 40 percent of the costs for geothermal drilling and the expansion of the heating network. And that even for six years from the time of the first drilling. However, this funding offer is not yet available. The further schedule depends on the entry into force of this offer, as Kast said.