This study investigates the potential of hydrothermal geothermal energy for combined heat and power (CHP) generation in Germany. Based on the theoretical potential of hydrothermal heat in place, the technical and economic potential is determined with a review and an analysis of existing geothermal plants. To this end, the thermodynamic and economic performance of operating power plants is analyzed and models for the efficiency and the production costs are developed. Based on this analysis, a technical potential of 12.2 PWh ${}_{\text{el}}$ and 16.7 PWh ${}_{\text{th}}$ as well as an economic potential of 9.1 PWh${}_{\text{el}}$ and 12.5 PWh${}_{\text{th}}$ is determined. In order to derive an annual contribution from the economic potential, the regeneration of the resource is taken into account. Considering a sustainable exploitation rate, an annual economic potential of 9.1 TWh${}_{\text{el}}$/a and 12.5 TWh${}_{\text{th}}$/a is derived. This corresponds to a share of 1.51% of the gross electricity demand and a share of 1.48% of the demand for space heating and domestic hot water. This analysis provides a profound review about the existing geothermal power plants and their thermodynamic and economic performance. Furthermore, the assessment of the geothermal potential in Germany is necessary for political decision making, particular with a view towards future adjustments of the feed-in tariffs defined by the Renewable Energy Act.

这项研究调查了德国热液地热能在热电联产方面的潜力。根据已有的地热热的理论潜力，通过对现有地热发电厂进行回顾和分析，确定技术和经济潜力。为此，分析了运行中的电厂的热力学和经济性能，并开发了效率和生产成本模型。根据此分析，技术潜力为12.2 PWh${}_{\text{埃尔}}$ 和16.7 PWh ${}_{\text{日}}$ 以及9.1 PWh的经济潜力${}_{\text{埃尔}}$ 和12.5 PWh${}_{\text{日}}$决心，决意，决定。为了从经济潜力中获得年度贡献，必须考虑资源的再生。考虑到可持续的开发速度，年经济潜力为9.1 TWh${}_{\text{埃尔}}$/ a和12.5 TWh${}_{\text{日}}$/ a是派生的。这相当于总电力需求的1.51％，占空间供暖和生活热水需求的1.48％。该分析对现有的地热发电厂及其热力学和经济性能进行了深刻的回顾。此外，评估德国的地热潜力对于政治决策是必要的，尤其是考虑到未来对《可再生能源法》所定义的上网电价的调整。