Enhanced Geothermal Systems: The Soultz-sous-Forêts Project

Abstract

From the first ideas about Hot-Dry-Rock-Technology (HDR) to today's interpretation as Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) the Soultz geothermal project is a milestone in geothermal development. It is the first time that a deep heat exchanger was created by reactivating preexisting fractures in a hot granite basement and the coupling to a power plant making the project unique worldwide.