Seismic survey to commence for Luxembourg geothermal exploration

Dudelange, Luxembourg (source: Sludge G / flickr, Creative Commons)

Carlo Cariaga 13 Nov 2023

Seismic surveys are set to begin to explore the geothermal potential in the southern region of Luxembourg, particularly in the communes of Dudelange and Schifflange, extending to the city of Esch-sur-Alzette. The surveys will begin on the 15th of November and are expected to continue until the first week of December.

Around 2000 geophones will be set up within the survey area to capture seismic data. Waves will be emitted  by special vibro-trucks that will ply a set route between the three key locations mentioned prior.

Robert Colbach from the Service géologique de l’Etat explains that the goal of the measurements will be to help identify the presence and location of the deepest water-permeable layer in the subsurface that may be considered a viable reservoir of geothermal fluids. The geologists already suspect that such layer can be found between Esch and Dudelange.

Based on previous studies, temperatures of around 50 °C are expected at a depth of 800 meters in the region. But if you find the layer at a depth of 2,000 meters, things get really interesting,” said Colbach. At a thermal gradient of 3 °C per 100 meters, temperatures at that depth can reach around 80 °C.

The specialists already have a clear use for geothermal heat in mind – geothermal heating can be supplied to the new building districts of Nei Schmelz in Dudelange and Metze Schmelz in Schifflange.

If the results of the study are positive, the project may proceed to the exploratory drilling phase. If all the needed conditions are met, then at least two geothermal wells will be drilled at each of the two development areas.

The Ministry of Energy of Luxembourg had already previously expressed interest in exploring for medium-depth geothermal in south Luxembourg, specifically in Dudelange.

More information on the seismic survey is available at seismik.lu.

Source: Tageblatt