EnBW, Daimler Truck to explore geothermal heat project in Germany

German energy group EnBW (ETR:EBK) and commercial vehicle maker Daimler Truck (ETR:DTG) will be looking into the possibility of supplying heat to a Mercedes-Benz plant in the City of Worth am Rhein from a new geothermal site.

The duo has founded a joint venture with the city to determine the geothermal usability and, if positive, to build and operate a geothermal heat-generating facility at the Worth site, a statement on Friday says.

The JV, called WarmeWerk Worth GmbH, will first examine the local and geological conditions alongside independent consultants and then determine the most suitable location for a geothermal well. This is expected to happen in 2024/2025.

Subject to successful drilling and obtaining federal funding, the geothermal heating plant could be built in 2027 and enter the commissioning phase the following year.

The partners intend to feed the excess geothermal heat not used by the truck factory into the existing municipal local heating networks. They noted they do not plan to generate electricity at this point.

“The use of renewable energies for electricity and heat is an essential factor for green production. For electricity, we already rely on green power as well as our own PV systems. In addition, we are continuously reviewing which processes we can make more energy efficient. For example, our new paint shop will require temperatures that are not as high as our previous one. The plant is currently undergoing transformation,” said Andreas Bachhofer, Site Manager of the Mercedes-Benz plant in Worth and Production Manager Mercedes-Benz Trucks.

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