EVN launches deep geothermal research in southern Lower Austria

EVN will investigate the subsurface in the Industrieviertel region over the coming months to determine whether heat from deep geothermal energy can be used, ORF reported. The company will use vibration seismics for the survey.

EVN considers deep geothermal energy an important addition to renewable heat sources such as biomass and large-scale heat pumps. The energy from the Earth’s interior is available regardless of weather or season, the company said.

The first focus is the Industrieviertel. EVN aims to have two deep geothermal plants feeding existing heat networks by 2035, providing heat for between 20,000 and 30,000 households.

Survey will cover more than 330 kilometres

Special measuring vehicles will travel along planned routes and generate controlled vibrations. Sensors known as geophones will record the vibrations. EVN plans to place 30,000 geophones along the survey lines.

Experts will use the data to create detailed models of the subsurface. The survey area covers more than 330 kilometres and includes more than 60 municipalities in the southern Vienna Basin. The findings will form the basis for further planning of the geothermal projects.

Hot water deep underground

EVN said naturally hot water, reaching temperatures of up to 100 degrees Celsius, is found at depths of more than 3,000 metres in some parts of Lower Austria. In deep geothermal systems, the water is brought to the surface through one borehole. Heat exchangers extract the heat before the water is returned underground through a second borehole in a closed loop.

According to EVN, deep geothermal energy could make energy supplies less dependent on global crises or supply shortages. The company said geothermal energy had been used in Europe and Austria for many decades and was one of the oldest renewable energy technologies.

Information events planned

EVN will accompany the surveys with mailings, information leaflets and three public information events in the southern Vienna Basin. Spokesman Stefan Zach said residents did not need to take any action because the surveys would be controlled, technically monitored and carried out mainly on public roads and paths.

The events will take place at the following locations:

Oberwaltersdorf in Baden district: September 22, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Bettfedernfabrik, Kulturstraße 1.

Wiener Neustadt: October 2, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at City Campus Wiener Neustadt, FH Wiener Neustadt, Schlögelgasse 22–26.

Wiener Neudorf in Mödling district: October 8, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Franz Fürst Freizeitzentrum, Eumigweg 1–3.