The municipality of Gräfelfing, near Munich, has celebrated the groundbreaking ceremony for its long-awaited deep geothermal project. Local leaders and project managers hailed the milestone as a decisive step toward a sustainable, CO2-neutral heating supply.
Mayor Peter Köstler underlined that the project is now entirely under municipal ownership after parting ways with former partner Silenos Energy earlier this year. “With geothermal energy, we are setting a smart course for a climate-independent and secure energy future,” he said. The move allows the municipality to directly manage financing and future heat pricing.”
The geothermal company is being advanced by Gräfelfing’s municipal subsidiaries, led by managing director Thomas Banck and technical director Markus Schmelz. The team emphasized the dual goals of delivering affordable heat to citizens while minimizing local impacts from the drilling and heating plant construction.
Drilling plans
Preparations are now underway for the first construction phase on an 18,000 m² site. Drilling is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2026, with two wells reaching a depth of around 2,900 meters. Full drilling and testing could take up to a year. If successful, the system is expected to supply geothermal heat to local households from late 2028 or early 2029.
The project is supported by federal funding under the BEW program for efficient heating networks, with the municipality covering the remainder through loans and its own capital.
Initial exploration of geothermal resources in Gräfelfing dates back to 2009, when private developer Baldur Trinkl started seismic surveys. After his withdrawal, the municipality carried the project forward, culminating in this year’s groundbreaking.
With expected water temperatures of 90-95°C, the Gräfelfing project could become a flagship example of community-led geothermal development in Bavaria’s Molasse Basin.
Source: Gemeinde Gräfelfing
