Nationwide map highlights potential for near-surface geothermal in Germany
Traffic light map for near-surface geothermal in Germany (source: screenshot, GeotIS)
Carlo Cariaga
12 Aug 2025
LIAG has published a traffic light map showing the potential for installation of probes for near-surface geothermal energy covering the entire Germany.
The Leibniz Institute for Applied Geophysics (LIAG) has published a new version of a traffic light map that highlights the potential for near-surface geothermal in Germany. The map is now freely available in the GeotIS geothermal information system.
Click here to access the geothermal map in GeotIS.
The interactive map was developed as part of the WärmeGut research project led by the LIAG Institute for Applied Geophysics (LIAG) in Hanover, the Georg August University of Göttingen (UGOE), and geoENERGIE Konzept GmbH from Freiberg, in collaboration with all 16 state geological surveys. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) is funding the project. A previous version of the map was announced in early 2024, covering only the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern region.
“Together with our project partners and the state geological surveys, we have succeeded in developing a digital map that meets the individual requirements of each federal state while also providing an easily understandable standardization of the complex data situation,” explains project leader Prof. Dr. Inga Moeck. “This is a historic milestone for geothermal research.”
The traffic light map provides straightforward guidance on whether the installation of geothermal probes is possible or not in any locality. Green marks regions where geothermal probes can be used without restrictions, yellow indicates restricted usage, and red indicates areas that are not suitable for use. Clicking on a specific map area opens a window with further information and links to the relevant authority in the respective federal state for contact and detailed information.
Better clarity for the geothermal industry
The researchers are hoping that the clarity offered by the interactive map will help communities, cities, and municipalities in deciding to develop geothermal as a suitable and secure heat source for the future. Geothermal remains an overlooked form of renewable energy, which is unfortunate given its benefits over wind and solar.
“Without geothermal energy, the heat transition cannot succeed,” says Moeck. “We expect this map to draw attention to geothermal energy as a measure in municipal heat planning and to provide a decisive boost to both the energy transition and scientific geothermal research.”
Moeck’s research team is working on additional maps for shallow geothermal technologies, such as collector and well systems. The traffic light maps form the basis for interactive potential maps that can be used to calculate the usable thermal energy for a specific location. This will significantly support municipal heat planning and bring Germany one step closer to climate-neutral heat supply.
Source: LIAG
