Geothermal-Alliance Bavaria
The Geothermal-Alliance Bavaria (GAB) addresses questions of research and practice in the field of deep geothermal energy.
The overall objective of the GAB is to strengthen geothermal energy as a renewable energy resource for the domestic energy market so that it can make a significant contribution to the CO2-reduction targets.
The Molasse basin in Bavaria is the hot spot for the geothermal use in Germany. For this reason, three Bavarian universities, the Technical University of Munich (TUM), the Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU) and the University of Bayreuth (UBT) have joined forces in 2016 under the framework of the Geothermal-Alliance Bavaria (GAB) to meet research needs and clarify open scientific questions. Since 2020, the Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich and the Munich University of Applied Sciences have joined the research group. Beyond the outstanding research, the joint project has launched a platform for the knowledge and data transfer between science, industry and politics. The demand in the area of training qualified young people is covered by a joint Master's program "GeoThermie / GeoEnergy" at FAU and TUM.
With its integrated approach the GAB research empowers a close cooperation of engineers and geoscientists facilitating a direct glance beyond the borders of the respective subdisciplines.
Science
The research conducted by the Geothermal Alliance Bavaria (GAB) aims to address open questions in deep geothermal energy and to develop targeted solutions. The technology is examined holistically, from exploration and project development through to optimized plant operation. Through GAB’s interdisciplinary research approach, both opportunities and risks can be assessed comprehensively from multiple perspectives.
During the third funding phase, GAB 3.0 (2025–2028), five research projects are being carried out:
- Geological Exploration
- Multiscale Reservoir Modelling
- Seismic Risk Mitigation
- Plant Engineering and Flexible Operation
- System Optimization
Events
In addition to the research activities, it is essential to establish and strengthen a network between geothermal plant operators and the scientific community. Such a network facilitates the exchange and utilization of valuable operational experience and practical knowledge.
To support this objective, the GAB project management team has relaunched the event series “Knowledge Transfer for Geothermal Energy in the South German Molasse Basin”, creating a dedicated platform for dialogue and collaboration. Further information on this and other GAB events and activities can be found on our project website under the Events section.
If you would like to receive regular updates on GAB events, please feel free to get in touch with us.
Teaching
Master's programme “GeoThermie/GeoEnergie”
The joint-degree Master's programme “GeoThermie/GeoEnergie”, established by FAU and TUM in the 2017/18 winter semester, will be continued, and the expertise of newly appointed professorships will be integrated into the curriculum. Future activities will also include topic- and methodology-oriented summer and field schools, workshops, and public seminars on current developments in geothermal energy.
The regular curriculum is designed to cover the entire spectrum of deep geothermal energy, thereby fostering innovative and interdisciplinary thinking related to the utilization of geoenergy resources. This is ensured through the combined teaching and research expertise of seven faculties from FAU, TUM and LMU, as well as external lecturers from industry and practice.
The programme’s close connection to the Geothermal Alliance Bavaria (GAB) enables the integration of the latest research findings into teaching and allows students to engage in ongoing research projects already during their studies. As multipliers of knowledge, graduates can make a significant contribution to improving public understanding of deep geothermal energy and to promoting an energy-conscious and technology-open mindset within society.
Admission to the Master’s programme “GeoThermie/GeoEnergie” is possible each year for the winter semester. Information on the application process can be found here.
What is Geothermal Energy?
The term geothermal energy originates from the Greek words gé (“earth”) and thermós (“warm”), and literally means “heat from the Earth.” The Earth's interior is extremely hot, as evidenced by volcanoes, geysers, and hot springs. Beneath our feet lies an enormous source of energy. Deep geothermal energy harnesses the thermal energy stored within the upper kilometres of the Earth’s crust.
For more information about deep geothermal energy in Bavaria, please visit the project website of the Geothermal Alliance Bavaria (GAB).
Master's program
The joint degree Master's program GeoThermie / GeoEnergy successfully established by FAU and TUM in the winter semester 2017/18 is further continued, integrating the expertise of newly appointed professorships. Moving forward, the program aims to offer methodological summer / field schools, workshops and seminars on current geothermal energy topics open to the public. The regular teaching content is designed to cover the entire spectrum of deep geothermal energy and promote innovative, interdisciplinary thinking in the interest of the proper utilisation of geothermal energy resources. This is ensured by the teaching and research expertise of 7 faculties of FAU, TUM and LMU, as well as external lecturers with industrial experience. The direct connection to the GAB makes it possible to pass on current research findings to students in a practice-oriented manner and to integrate them into ongoing research work during their studies. As knowledge multipliers, the students can make a significant contribution to a better understanding of deep geothermal energy along with the promotion of an energy-conscious and open-minded attitude towards new technology developments in the public.
