Deep geothermal energy represents a key element of future renewable energy production due to its base load capability and the almost inexhaustible resource base. Especially with regard to heat supply, this technology offers a huge potential for carbon saving. One of the main targets of geothermal projects in Central Europe is the Upper Rhine Graben, which exhibits elevated subsurface temperatures and reservoirs with favorable hydraulic properties. Several decades of intensive research in the region resulted in a comprehensive understanding of the geological situation. This review study summarizes the findings relevant to deep geothermal projects and thus provides a useful working and decision-making basis for stakeholders. A total of nine geological units have been identified that are suitable for deep geothermal exploitation, comprising the crystalline basement, various sandstone formations and Mesozoic carbonates. An extensive lithostratigraphic, structural, geochemical, hydraulic and petrophysical characterization is given for each of these potential reservoirs. This paper furthermore provides an overview of the available data and geological as well as temperature models.

中文翻译：

---

上莱茵地堑深部地热研究与开发评估

由于其基本负荷能力和几乎取之不尽的资源基础，深层地热能代表了未来可再生能源生产的关键要素。尤其是在供热方面，这项技术提供了巨大的碳减排潜力。中欧地热项目的主要目标之一是上莱茵河地堑，它表现出较高的地下温度和具有良好水力特性的储层。该地区几十年的深入研究使人们对地质情况有了全面的了解。本综述研究总结了与深层地热项目相关的研究结果，从而为利益相关者提供了有用的工作和决策基础。共确定了9个适合深部地热开发的地质单元，包括结晶基底、各种砂岩地层和中生代碳酸盐岩。对这些潜在储层中的每一个都进行了广泛的岩石地层、构造、地球化学、水力和岩石物理特征描述。本文还概述了可用数据以及地质和温度模型。