Hölscher Solution_#04
Geothermal energy

GEO THERMAL ENERGY

We bring decades of well drilling expertise to geothermal energy projects, delivering sustainable heating and cooling solutions. From shallow to medium-depth systems, we help harness earth’s energy for buildings. In doing so, we make an important contribution to the energy transition and bring sustainable energy into your building.

Heat and cooling from the earth

As experts, we offer environmentally friendly geothermal solutions to harness the earth’s heat for heating or cooling buildings, tailored to your project. We specialise in near-surface and medium-depth geothermal energy. With over 30 years of well drilling experience, we make geothermal energy accessible and contribute significantly to the energy transition. Whether for single-family homes, larger buildings, small districts, or industrial applications requiring heating or cooling – open or closed systems, preparatory measures, or exploratory work – we provide customised solutions and assist with approval processes.

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Servives

Ground collectors, probes, and wells

Well systems for geothermal use with reinjection consist of a production well that draws warm water from deep geological layers and an injection well that returns the cooled water after energy extraction. These systems enable sustainable use of geothermal energy by closing the water cycle and minimising environmental impact. We offer these systems for both single-family homes and larger buildings.

A prime example of this technology is our ATES systems – open systems designed for seasonal energy storage to heat or cool buildings. In summer, cold groundwater is used for cooling, absorbing heat from buildings and returning it to the aquifer through the warm water well. In winter, the warm groundwater stored during summer is used for heating. ATES systems are available in near-surface, low-temperature versions (NT-ATES) or in deeper layers as high-temperature versions (HT-ATES).

Heat and cold storage

The stable temperature underground can be effectively used to harness geothermal energy. A proven method for this is the use of geothermal probes. A borehole is drilled into the ground to a depth determined by the building’s heating requirements and technical conditions. Multiple boreholes can be installed if needed. A special plastic pipe filled with liquid is inserted into the boreholes. This liquid extracts energy from the ground and transfers it to a heat pump. The continuous circulation of the liquid ensures a constant energy flow.

Hydrothermal systems

Hydrothermal geothermal energy extracts heat from the subsurface by drawing hot fluid (water/steam) directly from underground. Essentially, the system functions as a thermal water well. Hölscher performs medium-depth drilling for hydrothermal doublets, either as injection or production wells, reaching depths of up to 1,500 meters without deviation.

 

Hölscher as general contractor

We advise and support your geothermal project, covering everything from approval processes, feasibility studies, and preliminary planning to system design. Additionally, our in-house EMSR department provides the necessary control and regulation technology.

Exploratory drilling and casings for geothermal plant planning

Exploratory drilling analyses geological conditions such as temperature, rock layers, and water flow, providing crucial data for assessing energy potential and technical feasibility. These drillings provide essential data to assess energy potential and technical feasibility, ensuring optimal design and sustainable use of geothermal resources.  For deep geothermal projects, we use casing pipes that secure the borehole and effectively protect it from unwanted surface contaminants such as rainwater, drilling fluids, and rock debris, while preventing erosion. We specialise in large-diameter casing and working pipes, ranging from 20 to 600 meters in length.

Innovations: the hw energy well

The innovative hw energy well combines traditional production wells with geothermal probes. This patented well is used both to lower groundwater levels and efficiently transfer energy for heating or cooling buildings, offering a practical 2-in-1 solution. The advantage of the hw energy well lies in its flexibility and versatility. With a single pre-assembled structure, one well can simultaneously lower groundwater levels and facilitate energy transfer.

Well drilling

By constructing wells and well systems, we guarantee a dependable water supply. With over 30 years of experience and more than 10,000 wells built, we can handle even the most complex well drilling projects, overcoming challenging geological conditions.

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Facts and figures

30
years of experience in well drilling
27
machinescable percussion drilling rig with casing oscillator
200
successfully implemented ATES systems within the company group
1500
drilling depths up to 1500 meters in loose coarse and solid rock

Innovations

Our ATES systems utilise open-loop geothermal technology for the seasonal storage of energy. This allows buildings to be heated or cooled as needed. The open system consists of one or more well pairs, depending on the project’s requirements. A well pair includes a “warm” well and a “cold” well. In summer, cold groundwater is used to cool the building. The water absorbs heat from the building and is returned to the aquifer through the “warm” well.

Innovations

Our ATES systems utilise open-loop geothermal technology for the seasonal storage of energy. This allows buildings to be heated or cooled as needed. The open system consists of one or more well pairs, depending on the project’s requirements. A well pair includes a “warm” well and a “cold” well. In summer, cold groundwater is used to cool the building. The water absorbs heat from the building and is returned to the aquifer through the “warm” well.

Holistic approach

For the construction industry, municipalities, and industrial companies, we are the national and international partner of choice for demanding groundwater projects. Our company combines in-depth expertise, decades of experience, and technical excellence in groundwater management to provide safe, sustainable, and intelligently connected solutions in the areas of groundwater management, water treatment, well drilling, geothermal energy, reinfiltration and monitoring. We employ both proven methods and proprietary, patented procedures. Our services cover all necessary steps – from consultation and planning to developing customised solutions and professional implementation with computer-controlled monitoring and documentation.

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