Underground storage

Geothermal energy is only one among several possible utilisations of the deep subsurface. The data compiled within the GeORG project also allow a first assessment as to which strata might potentially be used for storage of CO2 or for compressed air (for intermediate storage of power generated by renewable energy plants). Strata with high porosities, e.g. sandstone, can act as storages. Barrier rocks of low permeability (e.g. mudstone or salt) must cover the storage rocks to prevent the gases from diffusion. Current prerequisites for economic utilisation include the storage rocks occurring at depths of more than 800m and having a minimum thickness of 10m. A first assessment of the occurrence of potential storage rocks can be derived from the geological 3D model.