Seismic trucks map Munich underground for geothermal heat

Specialist trucks are shaking the ground across the Munich region as part of a large seismic survey to find underground thermal water, BR24 reports. The GIGA-M research project aims to build a picture of the area’s geology and identify promising locations for geothermal wells.

Since August, the trucks have stopped every 25 metres, lowered a large plate onto the road and sent sound waves several kilometres underground. Small white and orange devices called geophones record the waves that return after reflecting off different rock layers.

Researchers will use the signals to create a three-dimensional model of the underground. Project leader Kai Zosseder of the Technical University of Munich said the model should help assess where drilling for hot thermal water is most worthwhile.

The Munich region currently produces about 400 megawatts of thermal power from geothermal energy. The project aims to raise that to more than one gigawatt, or 1.4 gigawatts, which would at least triple current output. The survey covers about 1,100 square kilometres, extending well beyond Munich’s city limits. Partners include the Technical University of Munich, Munich’s public utilities and other regional organisations.

The survey team must collect, read and redistribute about 2,500 geophones each day while the trucks follow their planned measurement points. Project officials say residents may feel vibrations, but that they are comparable to those caused by a passing lorry.

Measurements are expected to continue until the end of 2026. The completed underground model is due in mid-2028 and will be made available free of charge to municipalities and energy suppliers.