OMV and Wien Energie started drilling to a depth of about 9,840 feet for their joint geothermal project in Aspern (Vienna-Donaustadt). Image by Trifonov_Evgeniy via iStock
OMV AG and Wien Energie GmbH have begun drilling to a depth of more than 3,000 meters (9,840 feet) for their joint geothermal project in Aspern (Vienna-Donaustadt).
The climate-neutral project and the plant in Vienna's 22nd district will feed into the city's district heating network and meet the needs of 20,000 Viennese households, a joint press release said.
"Just like the mountain spring water pipeline or the Danube regulation were in their times, the development of deep geothermal energy is a project of the future that will contribute to the quality of life in our city for well over a hundred years", Peter Hanke, City Councilor for Economic and Financial Affairs and Wiener Stadtwerke, said. "This deep geothermal plant is a forward-looking project that sets an example for our city. We are not only generating energy but also strengthening our supply independence and our economic position".
This geothermal plant is scheduled to be commissioned in 2028, with additional plants to follow.
Deep geothermal energy can play an important role in the city's goal of a carbon-neutral heat supply by 2040, the companies said. The first deep geothermal plant will serve as the basis for further expansion, they said.
"With deeep [OMV and Wien Energie joint venture], we are reducing CO2 emissions and offering an energy solution for a sustainable future. At the same time, geothermal energy enhances supply security and supports the diversification of energy sources", Berislav Gašo, Executive Vice President for Energy and Member of the Executive Board at OMV, said.
"With today's start of drilling, Wien Energie and OMV are setting the starting signal for the use of deep geothermal energy in Vienna", Peter Weinelt, CEO of Wiener Stadtwerke, added.
The project is possible, according to the two companies, as Vienna sits on top of a natural hot water reservoir, the "Aderklaaer Konglomerat", situated at a depth of 9,840 feet. This water formation is located in a water-bearing rock layer and has a temperature of around 100 degrees Celsius, they said.
The pilot project in Aspern will utilize a closed-loop system. Hot formation water will be extracted, its heat transferred to the district heating network, and the cooled water reinjected into the reservoir. This process ensures a consistent, year-round energy supply, the two companies said. The plant will consist of three wells: a pilot well, a production well, and an injection well. Drilling is slated for completion by mid-2025, followed by production tests.