Potential location suitability for geothermal heat collectors (installation depth 1.2-1.5 m) in Lower Saxony 1: 50 000

The map “Potential suitability for geothermal heat collectors (installation depth 1.2-1.5 m)” for heating buildings shows the following four suitability classes: • Well suited, • Suitable, • Not suitable, • Not suitable (rock, fixed rock). The evaluation is based on the data from soil maps, the associated descriptions of the soil profiles, the information on groundwater level, as well as the evaluation of soil species and solid rocks. Geothermal heat collectors use the energy stored in the soil from solar irradiation and atmospheric inputs (fall). They are installed below the winter soil frost area, usually at a depth of 1.2-1.5 m for surface collectors. The best energy efficiency in heat extraction is achieved when installed in damp, water-storing, densely stored, sandy soils. Dry, loosely stored soils have low withdrawal rates. When solid rocks with low weathering power occur, the installation of geothermal heat collectors at the required depth can be difficult or uneconomic. Geothermal heat collectors are suitable for both heating and cooling of buildings and technical structures. The data is used for an initial assessment of the potential location suitability for geothermal heat collectors and does not replace the concrete inspection in the context of plant construction on the basis of the local conditions. Further information on legal and technical basics can be found in the “Guide for the use of geothermal heat in Lower Saxony” (Georeports 24) and in “Establishment of planning bases for the use of geothermal heat collectors” (Georeport 5).