Mine water geothermal energy – using historic mining infrastructure for heat generation
The International Geothermal Center Bochum and Fraunhofer IEG held a workshop on mine water geothermal energy in Bochum on February 6, 2026 . More than 50 interested participants were welcomed at the opening. This was followed by five keynote speeches dealing with a wide variety of projects relating to post-mining use, mine water geothermal energy, and technical and legal issues. The subsequent discussion round provided an opportunity to exchange opinions, different perspectives, opportunities, and risks related to the topic. The event concluded with access to a flooded mine and a tour of the drilling site at the Technical Center of the Ruhr University as part of a current project.
Program February 6, 2026
Workshop on "Mine Water Geothermal Energy"
From 10:30 a.m. Arrival and registration
10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Welcome by Prof. Michael Rath, Dr. Bodo Lehmann, and Dr. Florian Hahn
lectures
Stefan Klein (Fraunhofer IEG) – Access to flooded mines: The use of drilling technology as exemplified by the PUSH-IT project
Matthias Schmude (Wilo) – Networked pump systems using the example of mine water geothermal energy: New opportunities for sector coupling
Stefan Kreisel (Regional Association for Education, Research, and Competence Development) – Structural change and energy supply in the Mansfeld-Südharz district in Saxony-Anhalt through geothermal concepts and further development into a model region for geothermal energy
Nele Pollmann (DMT) – Energy use of mine water – The work of the Mine Water Technical Committee
Laura Delzig (Fraunhofer IEG)—Overview of the legal framework for mine water geothermal energy and storage projects
12:15-12:25 Break
12:25-12:50 Discussion round
12:50-1:45 p.m. Lunch break
1:45 p.m. to approx. 2:30 p.m. Drilling site tour
We are delighted that we were able to actively contribute to the content and media coverage of the GZB workshop on mine water geothermal energy. This gave us lots of new ideas for our work, but above all it enabled us to expand our network, which will help us to successfully advance our future projects. This requires cooperation between a wide range of stakeholders from politics, business, research, and public authorities.
Good luck!