Skip to main content

Geothermal Frontier – Beta

This is an integrated knowledge and data sharing platform that aggregates global datasets on institutional research capacity and country-level geothermal profiles. It is designed to support cross-sector collaboration and the advancement of next-generation geothermal technologies. The platform facilitates access to structured data, technical insights, and networked expertise to accelerate the development of higher-enthalpy resources and drive cost-competitive deployment at scale.

Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich

Magmatic Petrology and Volcanology

Institution Type: Academia

Institution Website

Munich, Germany

Contact

Jackie Kendrick, Dr
jackie.kendrick@lmu.de

Areas of Expertise

  • Resource Characterization & Modeling
  • Drilling & Well Design
  • Monitoring & Instrumentation
  • Reservoir Creation & Management

Resource Characterization & Modeling

This area focuses on identifying, assessing, and modeling geothermal resources to understand their size, temperature, and viability. It supports better decision-making by improving predictions of subsurface conditions and resource potential.

  • Geological Modeling Active
  • Geophysical Modeling Active
  • Coupled Process Modeling Active
  • Crustal Stress, Geomechanics/Rock Mechanics Active
  • Water/Rock Geochemistry Active
  • Seismic Risk & Mitigation Active
  • Environmental Risk Assessment Active
Mechanical presses for rock and material testing, including uniaxial, biaxial, and triaxial systems, capable of operating at extreme temperatures and pressures
Max Temperature (°C) 1200 Uniaxial/Biaxial: 1200°C. Triaxial: 1000°C, 200°C
Max Pressure (MPa) 400 Confining Pressure (Pc): Up to 400 MPa. Pore Pressure (Pp): Up to 100 Mpa. Axial Stress: Up to ~600 MPa
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously Yes
High-temperature permeameter
Max Temperature (°C) 1000
Max Pressure (MPa) 100
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously Yes

Drilling & Well Design

This area covers technologies and expertise needed to safely and efficiently access geothermal resources at depth. It includes innovations in drilling methods, materials, and well design and construction to reduce costs and effectively reach higher-enthalpy systems in more geologic regions.

  • Casing Materials (Thermal Stresses, Corrosion, Abrasion) Active
  • Advanced Materials for Drilling & Well Integrity Active
8 Thermal analysers (2 Differential scanning calorimeters, 2 simultaneous (DSC-TGA) thermal analysers (STA), 4 dilatometers, 1 water vapour system to connect to the STA and the TMA)
Max Temperature (°C) 1550
Max Pressure (MPa) 1
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously No
6 petrological autoclaves (for small samples (0.5cc).
Max Temperature (°C) 1000
Max Pressure (MPa) 200
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously Yes
2 Geothermal autoclaves (for large samples (1000 cc): 500˚C and ~200 MPa)
Max Temperature (°C) 500
Max Pressure (MPa) 200
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously Yes
~16 furnaces (to thermal stimulates rocks and materials under different chemical atmospheres)
Max Temperature (°C) 1600
Max Pressure (MPa) 0.1
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously No
4 Permeameters
Temperature Note Ambient
Max Pressure (MPa) 200
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously No
1 Bath reactor
Max Temperature (°C) 500
Max Pressure (MPa) 3
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously Yes

Monitoring & Instrumentation

This area enables real-time measurement and analysis of geothermal systems through advanced sensors and data tools. It supports performance optimization, risk reduction, and improved understanding of subsurface behavior over time.

  • Fiber Optic Sensing Systems (DTS, DAS, DSS) Planned
  • Real-Time Telemetry & Data Acquisition Systems Planned
  • Acoustic Emission Monitoring Active
  • Environmental Monitoring Active
  • Permanent Surface Passive Seismic Array Planned
1 Gravimeter
Temperature Note Ambient
Pressure Note Ambient
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously No

Reservoir Creation & Management

This area focuses on developing and sustaining productive geothermal systems, including enhanced and closed-loop systems. It involves techniques to develop the geothermal reservoir, manage the system, and optimize fluid flow and heat extraction over the project’s life.

  • EGS (Hydraulic Stimulation, Zonal Isolation, High-Temp Proppants) Active
  • Closed-Loop Systems Active
Thermal stimulator
Max Temperature (°C) 1200
Max Pressure (MPa) 0.1
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously No
Thermo-mechanical stimulator
Max Temperature (°C) 300
Max Pressure (MPa) 50
Ability to Adjust T & P Simultaneously Yes

No projects have been submitted

Please share your organization’s geothermal projects to inform and engage the broader geothermal community.

Submitting your projects will help raise awareness of your work, foster collaboration, and advance the field of geothermal energy.

You may submit multiple projects using the form below. All submissions will be published following administrative review.

Submit a project