How temperatures derived from fluid flow and heat transport models impact predictions of deep geothermal potentials: the “heat in place” method applied to Hesse (Germany)

Abstract One key aspect in the energy transition is to use deep geothermal stored sedimentary basins as well igneous and metamorphic basement rocks. To estimate variability of potentials across different geological domains encountered Federal State Hesse (Germany), it necessary understand driving processes fluid flow heat transport affecting subsurface temperature variations. In this study, we quantify a set units with method “heat place” (HIP, sensu Muffler Cataldi Geothermics 7:53–89, 1978)—HIP one proxy for potential these controlled by their configuration derived from series coupled 3D thermo-hydraulic numerical models. We show how conductive, advective convective mechanisms influence thermal field thereby HIP calculations. The heterogeneous geology ranges locally outcropping Paleozoic rocks up 3.8 km thick Cenozoic, porous deposits tectonically active northern Upper Rhine Graben. was quantified five layers (Cenozoic, Muschelkalk, Buntsandstein, Zechstein, Rotliegend) underlying basement. present maps allowing identify geothermally prospective subregions based on laterally varying within units. predicted be highest area Graben Cenozoic unit 700 GJ $$\text {m}^{-2}$$ m - 2 Rotliegend 617 . calculations account variable thicknesses temperatures layers, density capacity solid parts porosity.