The German energy group RWE Innogy, which currently holds permits for two deep geothermal projects in the Bavarian Molasse Basin in the South of Germany, and the German geothermal drilling company Daldrup & Söhne AG (DE:4DSG) have announced a joint venture to develop, plan and construct a range of geothermal power stations.

According to the announcement, “the initial phase of the project will see specialists in geothermal drilling, Daldrup & Söhne, work alongside RWE Innogy to develop its existing deep geothermal drilling areas. Plans are also in place for the companies to participate with other geothermal and development companies to extend their work in Germany and the rest of Europe.

The geothermal facilities that will be developed by the two partners are to be operated by independent project companies. The joint venture remains subject to approval by the German antitrust authority.”

RWE Innogy currently holds its two permits in the Swabian rural district of Oberallgäu in south west Germany. An investigation into the geothermal potential of the area will be carried out over the next three years. Following this process, RWE Innogy and Daldrup & Söhne hope to drill up to 4,000m (13,000ft) into the ground in order to meet the demand for baseload electricity.

Source: The Engineer