Deep Geothermal Energy: DMT Launches 3D Seismic Survey to Assess Geothermal Potential in Greater Munich Area
Munich – To systematically develop the deep geothermal potential of densely populated urban areas, TÜV NORD subsidiary DMT is deploying large-scale 3D seismic subsurface exploration. On behalf of Stadtwerke München, DMT is launching the survey campaign in the greater Munich area as part of the GIGA-M project.
GIGA-M: Seismic Survey Covers 1,100 Square Kilometers in Greater Munich
As part of the GIGA-M project, DMT is conducting seismic measurements across an area of around 1,100 square kilometers in the greater Munich region to build a three-dimensional image of the deep subsurface. According to DMT, this is the largest seismic site exploration ever carried out in a densely populated urban area.
The thermal water reservoir in the greater Munich area is already being used via around 50 wells with a combined thermal output of approximately 400 MW. Additional recoverable potential is estimated at more than 1,000 MW, and the survey campaign is intended to identify suitable areas for further development.
Vibro-Trucks and Thousands of Geophones Capture Signals from the Subsurface
The measurements are carried out using vibro-trucks, specialized vehicles that introduce controlled vibrations into the ground. Signals reflected off different rock layers are captured and analyzed by thousands of geophones, highly sensitive ground sensors. The data is used to build a high-resolution 3D model of the subsurface, providing insight into geological structures and areas potentially suitable for deep geothermal use.
"A 3D seismic survey campaign of this scale places unique demands on planning and execution," said Dr. Christian Henke, Head of Seismic Exploration & Processing at DMT. According to Henke, in the densely populated survey area, the large number of measurement points, the deployment of vibro-trucks and the recording by thousands of geophones need to be precisely coordinated, with a consistent data basis across the entire survey area being essential.
Six Project Partners, Federal Funding
GIGA-M is a joint initiative involving several institutions. The Technical University of Munich coordinates the project, while Stadtwerke München leads the seismic survey, supported by Energie-Wende-Garching as a partner in the seismic work. Further partners include the Ebersberg-München energy agency, the Munich district (Landkreis München) and the City of Munich. The project is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE).
For DMT, the project forms part of the further expansion of its geothermal activities. "With GIGA-M, we are setting a new benchmark for seismic site exploration in urban areas," said Dr. Maik Tiedemann, CEO of DMT GmbH & Co. KG and CEO of the TÜV NORD GROUP Business Unit Energy & Resources. According to Tiedemann, the experience gained from the project could also provide impetus for other cities and regions seeking to develop deep geothermal energy as part of their heat supply.
DMT Builds on Seismic Campaign in Münster
According to the company, DMT previously carried out a large-scale 3D seismic survey campaign in Münster to explore the deep subsurface for geothermal use. The experience gained there in planning and implementing seismic surveys in urban areas is being applied to the Munich campaign, according to the company. DMT's work in Munich thus builds on the large-scale 3D seismic exploration already carried out in Münster — an approach whose findings, according to Tiedemann, may also be relevant for other cities and regions with comparable plans for deep geothermal development.
Source: IWR Online, 27 Aug 2026
