Spatial distribution of Mesozoic deposits and their temperature ranges within the Weser-Wiehengebirge Syncline of the inverted Lower Saxony Basin, Minden area, Germany

Abstract

Abstract. The provision of climate-neutral, sustainable, and independent heat sources is an essential part of the ongoing transformation of heating systems in Germany. The city of Minden, located at the junction of the river Weser and the Middleland Canal, with its strong industrial sector, faces a massive transition of how heat and energy will be provided for industrial processes as well as heating in the commercial and residential sectors. In our study, we evaluate the structural requirements for the exploitation and utilization of deep geothermal energy from regional Mesozoic rocks, which are known to source thermal springs in the greater Minden area, and geothermal projects in other parts of the North German Basin. The compilation of geological data, seismic data, and rock properties from wells is used to construct a regional structural model as well as temperature distributions based on depth uncertainties of the respective stratigraphic units. Our investigations indicate several stratigraphic units ranging from the Middle Jurassic, Keuper, and Muschelkalk to the Middle Bunter at depths greater than 4100 m below mean sea level with suitable temperatures greater than 150 ∘C. Seismic data reveal the presence of faults, which may act as a conduit for thermal waters in the northern part of Minden. Our study also provides a basis for further geothermal exploration and exploitation south of Minden, where an operating geothermal system has already been established in the city of Osnabrück and further north, where the potential reservoirs are located at greater depths as shown by hydrocarbon exploration data. First estimations of the geothermal power output for two selected reservoir horizons yield up to 11.3 and 14.3 MW (10 % probability to yield these or higher values), respectively. We conclude that the subsurface of the inverted part of the Lower Saxony Basin principally fulfills the requirements (formation temperatures) for deep geothermal production not only for residential and commercial use but also for industrial processes. However, future detailed reservoir analyses and thermo-hydraulic investigations on a regional scale require additional exploration work like newly acquired seismic surveys and deep exploration wells.