Wagner Energy
Geothermics
Earth was formed some 4.5 billion years ago through the accretion of silicate dusts covered by thin film of water. At the time, it was a hostile and desert planet that accumulated considerable energy during the accretion phase, as well as many elements in a gaseous state. Over time, the Earth became what we call today the blue planet, since it contains large quantities of water.
A billion years after its formation, the temperature of the earth diminished to under 100°C. The planet’s crust solidified and an atmosphere containing oxygen began to develop. Conditions capable of sustaining life on Earth evolved around 500 million years ago. However, even today, over 99% of the planet maintains temperatures in excess of 1,000°C.
The result is an immense reservoir of heat beneath the earth's surface. Being able to benefit from this energy source has always been a dream of humanity. Today, this dream is a reality.
The principal advantage of renewable energy sources is that they are available on a permanent basis. According to current projections, in 2020, current electric production plants capacity combined with energy production from sustainable sources will already have tripled. These sustainable energy sources will play a major role primarily in the field of electric mobility and smart electricity grids.
The Wagner Group has built one of the most modern geothermic plants in partnership with Fröschl to the east of Munich on the northern border of alpine Molasse basin. The composition of the rock in that area allows access to water trapped in a layer of limestone at temperatures of around 140°C. The most important factor in establishing a geothermic system is precise knowledge of water resources. This is accomplished through modern 3 D seismic surveys that indicate changes in the zones under review.
A truck sends a controlled seismic source of energy to produce reflections in the ground. Geophones located in several areas capture the seismic reflections. A high performance computer evaluates data produced by the geophones and produces a detailed seismic reflection chart showing water resources. Experts can thus evaluate the risk with accuracy and determine optimal drilling sites that dramatically reduce the risk of drilling a "dry" hole.
Construction of a geothermic plant
Pipe lengths of 50 meters are connected in the well to reach a required depth of 4,000 meters.
Several wells create a system of holes to encourage accumulation of hot water and to form injection wells where cooled water can be reintroduced into the earth.
Once a heat exchanger, a turbine and a generator are set up, the system is operation and can be connected to the grid. The geothermic plant produces and 10 MW and 80 MW of heating power.
This means that 3,500 homes can be heated free and without CO 2 emissions.
