Lignite mining and coal-fired power and heat generation was the main industrial activity and the main energy source of the Niederlausitz in the southeastern part of the state of Brandenburg in Germany. Besides coal, hydrocarbons were also produced in the region. After the political decision to phase out coal-fired power generation, the Lausitz region now undergoes intensive structural changes related to the regional energy transition. The transformation of the heating networks is of particular importance in this context. Geothermal technologies can become an important cornerstone of the upcoming heat transition.
The potential geothermal aquifers in Lausitz are relatively shallow due to its location at the edge of the sedimentary North German Basin.
In TRANSGEO, Lausitz is a pilot region for ATES (Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage) developments from abandoned hydrocarbon wells.
More information: Life after lignite: how Lausatia has returned to nature.