Transforming abandoned wells for geothermal energy production
Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Central EuropeDescription
Validated and optimised well assessment tool(EN)
Site-specific feasibility studies of well assessment and repurposing(EN)
Transnational well repurpose potential assessment(EN)
Transnational strategy for the transition of fossil fuel producing regions to sustainable growth through the use of geothermal energy(EN)
Transnational action plan for the transition of fossil fuel producing regions to sustainable growth through the use of geothermal energy(EN)
Cooperating institutions supporting the transition of fossil fuel producing regions to sustainable growth through the use of geothermal energy in Central Europe(EN)
Thematic information
Priority: (VI-B_CE_2) Cooperating for a greener central Europe
Priority specific objective: RSO2.1. Promoting energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions
Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO2 A greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobility
Type of intervention: 052 Other renewable energy (including geothermal energy)
Partners (11)
Lead Partner: Helmholtz-Zentrum Potsdam Deutshces GeoForschungsZentrum
PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999994341
Partner’s ID if not PIC: DE138407750
Department: Department Geosystems, Section Geoenergy
Address: Telegrafenberg, 14473 Potsdam, Germany
Department address: Telegrafenberg, 14473 Potsdam, Germany
Legal status: public
Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations
Website: http://www.gfz-potsdam.de
Total budget: EUR 588 307.97
Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 470 646.37
Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%
Partner contribution: EUR 117 661.60
- ONEO GmbH
-
Name: ONEO GmbH
Partner’s ID if not PIC: ATU72808517
Address: Brucknerstraße, 1040 Wien, Austria
Legal status: private
Organisation type: SME
Website: https://oneo.eu/
Total budget: EUR 49 497.00
Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 39 597.60
Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%
Partner contribution: EUR 9 899.40
- Lokalna energetska agencija za Pomurje
-
Name: Lokalna energetska agencija za Pomurje
PIC (Participant Identification Code): 938344342
Partner’s ID if not PIC: SI88018822
Address: Martjanci, 9221 Martjanci, Slovenia
Legal status: public
Organisation type: Sectoral agency
Website: http://www.lea-pomurje.si
Total budget: EUR 254 797.20
Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 203 837.76
Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%
Partner contribution: EUR 50 959.44
- Sveučilište u Zagrebu Rudarsko-geološko-naftni fakultet
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Name: Sveučilište u Zagrebu Rudarsko-geološko-naftni fakultet
Department: Department of Petroleum and Gas Engineering and Energy
PIC (Participant Identification Code): 998157258
Partner’s ID if not PIC: HR99534693762
Address: Pierottijeva , 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Department address: Pierottijeva , 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Legal status: public
Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations
Website: https://www.rgn.unizg.hr/en/
Total budget: EUR 203 464.21
Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 162 771.36
Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%
Partner contribution: EUR 40 692.85
- Međimurska energetska agencija d.o.o.
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Name: Međimurska energetska agencija d.o.o.
Department: Međimurska energetska agencija, društvo s ograničenom odgovornošću za promicanje i unapređenje poslova vezanih uz obnovljive izvore energije i energetsku učinkovitost u Međimurskoj županiji
PIC (Participant Identification Code): 909754659
Partner’s ID if not PIC: HR78619083316
Address: Bana Josipa Jelačića , 40000 Čakovec, Croatia
Department address: Bana Josipa Jelačića , 40000 Čakovec, Croatia
Legal status: public
Organisation type: Sectoral agency
Website: http://www.menea.hr
Total budget: EUR 227 026.80
Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 181 621.44
Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%
Partner contribution: EUR 45 405.36
- Bányavagyon-hasznosító Nonprofit Közhasznú Kft.
-
Name: Bányavagyon-hasznosító Nonprofit Közhasznú Kft.
Partner’s ID if not PIC: HU22143200
Address: Tartsay Vilmos utca, 1126 Budapest, Hungary
Legal status: public
Organisation type: Enterprise, except SME
Website: http://www.bvh.hu
Total budget: EUR 49 980.00
Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 39 984.00
Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%
Partner contribution: EUR 9 996.00
- Pécsi Tudományegyetem
-
Name: Pécsi Tudományegyetem
PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999889872
Partner’s ID if not PIC: HU19308681
Address: Vasvári P u, 7622 Pécs, Hungary
Department address: Vasvári P u, 7622 Pécs, Hungary
Legal status: public
Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations
Website: https://international.pte.hu/
Total budget: EUR 240 786.00
Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 192 628.80
Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%
Partner contribution: EUR 48 157.20
- CROST Területfejlesztési Nonprofit Kft
-
Name: CROST Területfejlesztési Nonprofit Kft
Partner’s ID if not PIC: HU26555029
Address: Rákóczi u. , 7621 Pécs, Hungary
Legal status: public
Organisation type: Business support organisation
Website: http://www.crost.hu
Total budget: EUR 276 458.00
Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 221 166.40
Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%
Partner contribution: EUR 55 291.60
- Greenwell Energy GmbH
-
Name: Greenwell Energy GmbH
Partner’s ID if not PIC: ATU73849419 | 497247x | Corporate register number (EN)
Address: Kellerberggasse, 1230 Vienna, Austria
Legal status: private
Organisation type: SME
Website: https://www.greenwell.energy/
Total budget: EUR 109 194.40
Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 87 355.52
Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%
Partner contribution: EUR 21 838.88
- GeoSphere Austria
-
Name: GeoSphere Austria
Department: Department of Hydrogeology & Geothermal Energy
PIC (Participant Identification Code): 889336644
Partner’s ID if not PIC: ATU40330600
Address: Neulinggasse, 1030 Wien, Austria
Department address: Neulinggasse, 1030 Wien, Austria
Legal status: public
Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations
Website: http://www.geosphere.at/
Total budget: EUR 304 995.60
Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 243 996.48
Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%
Partner contribution: EUR 60 999.12
- Landesamt für Bergbau, Geologie und Rohstoffe Brandenburg
-
Name: Landesamt für Bergbau, Geologie und Rohstoffe Brandenburg
Department: Geological Survey
PIC (Participant Identification Code): 923483942
Partner’s ID if not PIC: N.a.
Address: Inselstraße , 03046 Cottbus, Germany
Department address: Inselstraße , 03046 Cottbus, Germany
Legal status: public
Organisation type: Regional public authority
Website: https://lbgr.brandenburg.de/lbgr/de/
Total budget: EUR 304 400.62
Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 243 520.49
Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%
Partner contribution: EUR 60 880.13
Partners map
Lead partner
Project partner
Summary
Project acronym: TRANSGEO
Project ID: CE0100071
Project start date: 2023-05-01
Project end date: 2026-04-30
Project status: ongoing
Relevant linked projects:
- DGE-ROLLOUT - Roll-out of Deep Geothermal Energy in NWE (Interreg North-West Europe) (EN) | While TRANSGEO facilitates the use of existing infrastructure for geothermal energy production and heat storage in Central Europe, DGE-ROLLOUT facilitates the development of new deep geothermal energy drilling projects in North-West Europe. TRANSGEO builds upon the experiences of DGE-ROLLOUT related to geothermal energy provision for district heating pilot projects TRUDI and Balmatt and the economic and environmental evaluation support schemes. Coordination of synergies is achieved by a close contact with the DGE-ROLLOUT project lead Geological Survey of NRW through an associated partnership in TRANSGEO. (EN), ENES-CE - Innovative energy strategies developed and implemented, through a revision of existing energy plans (Interreg Central Europe) (EN) | The project ENES-CE encourages investments in renewable energy sources and emphasises the importance of establishing a planning process through enactment of innovative strategies and plans providing sustainable regional development with the involvement of citizens and public bodies and promotion of renewable energy use on a regional level. MENEA as partner in the ENES-CE project will transfer the mentioned experiences while implementing TRANSGEO project activities. (EN), MEET - Multi-sites EGS Demonstration (Horizon 2020) (EN) | The MEET Project (Multidisciplinary and multi-context demonstration of Enhanced Geothermal Systems exploration and Exploitation Techniques and potentials) aims at boosting the development of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) across Europe in various geological contexts (sedimentary, volcanic, metamorphic and crystalline) by different means. TRANSGEO builds upon the EGS technologies demonstrated in MEET and the decision-making tool (to target most promising sites for near future EGS capacity installation) developed in MEET for repurposing existing wells for EGS development. That is, demonstrated technologies are adapted to repurposing existing wells. As project partner in MEET and lead partner of TRANSGEO, GFZ ensures the immediate uptake of MEET results in TRANSGEO. (EN), ATES iQ - Geothermal use of the carbonate rocks in the North German Basin (German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy) (EN) | GFZ is lead partner in the project ATES iQ, where the suitability of the Muschelkalk limestone formation in the North German Basin for geothermal use is evaluated and concepts for the exploration, development and operation of heat storage systems are developed and demonstrated. TRANSGEO builds upon the technological know-how and applies it to evaluate the reuse potential of abandoned wells for Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES). (EN), SKEWS - Seasonal Borehole Thermal Energy Storage in a Crystalline Reservoir (German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy) (EN) | In SKEWS four 750 m deep wells will be drilled to demonstrate the viability of Borehole Thermal Energy Storage (BTES) for seasonal and daily storage of heat in conjunction with time dependent change in supply and demand of heat. The four BTES wells will be operated for 1.5 years to prove the operational capability of such systems and to determine the operating and dimensioning routines for the future. Through GFZ’s head of Section 4.8 Geoenergie, who is Professor at TU Darmstadt and who leads this project, direct access to the SKEWS results is ensured. This will greatly benefit the development of evaluation routines for repurposing deep wells as BTES. (EN), CEESEU - Central and Eastern European Sustainable Energy Union (Horizon2020) (EN) | CEESEU emphasises the importance of setting up planning principles in order to engage local authorities to jointly address the key elements of regional transition to carbon neutrality through better exploitation of renewables and energy efficiency. MENEA will share gained experience from the CEESEU project as part of the TRANSGEO partnership which will build up on the more specific area of geothermal energy exploitation whose usefulness should be further emphasised in the energy mix of targeted regions. (EN), InnoGeoPot - Innovative exploration methods for geothermal potential assessment (Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and Croatian Science Foundation) (EN) | The InnoGeoPot project focuses on medium deep Borehole Heat Exchangers (BHEs), well revitalization and regional groundwater circulation systems. It addresses drilling of medium deep BHE (ca 300m or more) and technoeconomic analysis of extraction rates versus classical depths (ca 100m). UNIZG will share knowledge gained and modelling approaches developed in the InnoGeoPot project with TRANSGEO. The project also develops a decision making tool for selecting geothermal resources, hence synergies with A1.3 and A1.4 are foreseen. (EN), ThermoBase (BGE): Thermal data for the assessment of sedimentary sub-areas in Germany: Assesment of the temperature field of North German Basin and collection of new thermal data (EN) | The recent temperature field modelled and the data on temperature measurements from wells can be included in the assessment of repurposing potential (Activity A2.1). (EN), PUSH-IT (Horizon Europe): Piloting Underground seasonal heat storage in geothermal reservoirs (EN) | PUSH-IT foresees three pilot sites for underground heat storage. Technologies used will be ATES and BTES, which are also considered in TRANSGEO. The project will analyse also legal and social frameworks and investigate different business models. With regard to these aspects, TRANSGEO wil benefit from the lessons learned at the pilot sites in PUSH-IT. (EN), SI-Geo-Electricity (EEA Grants and corresponding Slovenian contribution): Pilot Geothermal Power Plant on an Existing Gas Well Pg-8, pilot project (EN) | The pilot project SI-Geo-Electricity serves as a demonstration project showcasing good practice and promotes increased use of geothermal energy. It is based on the use of a completely new method of electricity generation with a geothermal gravity heat pipe (Slovenian patent). TRANSGEO will include lessons learned from the project in the analysis of Borehole Heat Exchangers leading to the Deliverable S1.1.1 and D.2.3.6. Joint dissemination and outreach activities in Slovenia will be considered. (EN)
Total budget/expenditure: EUR 2 608 907.80
Total EU funding (amount): EUR 2 087 126.22
Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 80.00%
Co-financing sources:
- ERDF: Amount, EUR 2 087 126.22. Co-financing rate, 80.00%.
Investments, deliverables, policy contributions
(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)
Deliverables:
- Proof-of-concept study on retrofitting of abandoned wells with Borehole Heat Exchangers (BHEs)
- Proof-of-concept study on reuse of abandoned wells for Borehole Thermal Energy Storage (BTES)
- Proof-of-concept study on reuse of abandoned wells for hydrothermal energy (HE) production
- Proof-of-concept study on reuse of abandoned wells for Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES)
- Proof-of-concept study on reuse of abandoned wells for Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) development
- Engineering workflows for retrofitting abandoned wells
- Transnational summary of technical and socio-economic procedures for well repurposing
- Socio-economic analysis report of repurposing abandoned wells for industrial processes
- Socio-economic analysis report of repurposing abandoned wells for agricultural use
- Socio-economic analysis report of repurposing abandoned wells for municipalities
- Criteria catalogue for well repurposing
- Factsheets and infographics
- Beta version of web-based IT tool for well repurposing
- Online webinar for the well assessment tool
- Web-based IT tool for well repurposing
- Regional database of the Pannonian Basin
- Regional database of the Vienna Basin
- Regional database of the Molasse Basin
- Regional database of the North German Basin
- Report on the transnational repurpose potential in Central Europe
- Regional and transnational stakeholder events for presentation of the transnational well assessment
- Feasibility study for the pilot site Ampfing (Molasse Basin)
- Feasibility study for the pilot region Weinviertel (Vienna Basin)
- Feasibility study for the pilot region Hungarian Great Plain (Pannonian Basin)
- Feasibility study for the pilot field Mihovljan (Pannonian Basin)
- Feasibility study for the pilot site Zagreb-Savica (Pannonian Basin)
- Feasibility study for the pilot region Pomurje (Pannonian Basin)
- Feasibility study for the pilot region Lausitz (North German Basin)
- Feasibility study for the pilot site Groß Schönebeck (North German Basin)
- Regional workshops at the pilot sites for awareness raising
- Transnational summary of feasibility studies
- Report on regional comparison of policy frameworks for well repurposing
- Transnational strategy for the structural change of fossil fuel producing regions to geothermal
- Transnational action plan with intervention set for geothermal reuse of abandoned hydrocarbon wells
- Dissemination event for presentation and dissemination of the transnational strategy
- Regional stakeholder events to discuss the transnational action plan
- Final conference to present the project results and outline follow-up actions
Contribution to wider strategies and policies:
- EuropeanGreenDeal TRANSGEO supports the EU’s clean and just energy transition initiative Green Deal by promoting the use of advanced technologies in the reuse of abandoned oil and gas wells to foster the geothermal potential in the target regions. The project will contribute to the development of smart infrastructures, as geothermal energy and energy storage are important elements to guarantee the stability of the energy supply. The use of geothermal energy reduces dependence on energy sources outside the EU and thus contributes to market and price stability. Moreover, the use of geothermal energy can be a solution to the European Union’s strategic energy questions. Consumers would benefit directly from integrating the use of geothermal energy into the green energy portfolio, as both price stability and energy poverty can be addressed.
- Our approach involves both private engagement and support for local communities that need to provide clean, affordable and reliable energy to the population. Joint initiatives between the project partners will encourage future investments in the deployment of repurposing technologies to existing infrastructures for affordable clean energy, GHG emission reduction, energy efficiency and renewable energy use. These are key elements for achieving carbon neutrality.
- By reaching out to the oil and gas industry in the region, we set incentives for the industry to invest in green energy technologies and to strengthen sustainable investments.
- The use of geothermal energy contributes to the reduction of air pollution as it does not generate toxic emissions. The conversion and continued use of old oil and gas infrastructure will prevent environmental degradation as no new wells need to be drilled. Highest technical and environmental standards will be applied to guarantee a toxic free environment.
- TRANSGEO is committed to the retraining and education of employees in the oil and gas sector and will compensate for regional differences through its training measures.
- TerritorialAgenda2030 TRANSGEO contributes to increasing the quality of life by focusing on rural regions, where it helps to maintain jobs, but also creates opportunities for local communities to secure energy supply for their citizens while generating income.
- The development of local energy supply through the use of geothermal sources also contributes to the provision of public services, as local geothermal energy sources ensure both accessibility and proximity of the energy source, as well as affordability, as dependence on external energy sources is reduced in the long term.
- Through our online webinar and other communication events, we contribute to balancing out existing knowledge imbalances and creating perspectives for regional development as well as for the preservation and generation of jobs.
- By using geothermal energy as an energy source, TRANSGEO contributes to safe, affordable and sustainable energy. Geothermal energy can balance peak energy demands and reduce external dependencies. Our project also strengthens regional energy supply structures by demonstrating cost-effective solutions.
- By continuing to use old oil and gas production facilities, we also take into account the ideas of resource conservation and circular economy.
- Through the involvement of public-private partnerships and the integration of innovative start-up companies, we ensure competitiveness, innovative strength and creativity and create local income opportunities. In the long term, our approach of relying on local energy suppliers can stop migration and create future prospects in the participating regions.
- We are also strengthening intergovernmental cooperation between Member States by preparing a transnational strategy and action plan in our project and, in particular, by addressing legal and permitting issues that are currently still the main barrier to the repurposing of wells and the deployment of geothermal energy as an alternative energy source.
- EUStrategyDanubeRegion The project contributes to EUSDR PA2 sustainable energy, PA9 people and skills, and PA10 institutional capacity and cooperation. Applying repurposing technologies to abandoned wells promotes the use of renewable energy sources (RES), removes bottlenecks in the use of abandoned wells and ensures rapid exploitation of the geothermal potential. Decarbonization and reduction of air pollution will be supported by the shift from oil and gas production to geothermal energy production, which is emission-free. Furthermore, Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES) and Borehole Thermal Energy Storage (BTES) can contribute considerably to the storage of energy. Therefore, our project can contribute to the elaboration of a strategy for energy storage in the region. TRANSGEO also supports the exchange of best practices within the region but also with other initiatives throughout Europe. The project will help to harmonise laws, rules and regulations in Europe and reduce barriers to implementation.
- Joint activities encourage transnational cooperation of regional and local stakeholders, policymakers, companies, experts and scientific institutions in using repurposing technologies and support the connection of regions with geothermal energy potential.
- In addition, TRANSGEO will support PA8 competitiveness of enterprises as we foster cooperation and exchange of knowledge between SMEs, academia and the public sector in areas of competence in the Danube Region. We will use the innovative approaches of the participating companies to demonstrate market maturity in the participating regions. We also aim to open up new markets and opportunities for the participating companies, in order to ultimately create innovative jobs. We will demonstrate this to the interested public and decision-makers by showing the feasibility and possibilities of further use of abandoned oil and gas production wells at various locations.
- EUStrategyAlpineRegion TRANSGEO supports with EUSALP objective 1, as it is developing innovation and research capacity and transfer into practice at the Ampfing site in Germany, the Weinviertel in Austria and the Pomurje region in Slovenia which are the TRANSGEO pilot sites and areas in the Alpine region.
Programme Common Output Indicator:
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RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
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RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
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RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, Measurement unit:
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RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:
Delivered output indicator(s):
- (RCO87) Organisations cooperating across borders: 21.0
Programme Common Result Indicator:
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RCR 084 - Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:
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RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
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RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations, Measurement unit:
Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSALP
EUSALP Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:
EUSALP Degree of compliance:
Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSDR
Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project
Financing programme
2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Central Europe
Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme
2025-03-31
No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)
100 / 100 (100%)
No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)
1 017 / 1 018 (99.9%)
Notes on the data
Programme's webpage last visited on 2025-03-17.