CARBSCALE

Project information

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CARBSCALE

Multiscale geothermal laboratory in karstified carbonates

• BMFTR
• 2026/06
• 3 years
• In progress

Contact person

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M.Sc.

Alexander Jaron

PhD researcher

alexander.jaron@gim.rwth-aachen.de

+49 241 / 80 92201

This project led by the Chair of Engineering Geology (Prof. Amann) involves setting up a unique field laboratory in a former quarry. The goal is to investigate the specific properties of karstified carbonate limestone in order to make it suitable for geothermal exploitation.

Although deep carbonate reservoirs possess ideal hydraulic and thermal properties, their heterogeneity across many scales has so far made it difficult to explore them and make them viable for commercial use. CARBSCALE aims to address this by using the field laboratory to test new approaches to exploration and methods for systematic quantitative characterization. This will allow for the creation of realistic conditions, thereby enabling an in-depth understanding of reservoir dynamics.

The first phase of the project involves the construction and multiscale characterization of the field laboratory, which includes the establishment of a comprehensive research infrastructure, the detailed characterization of the subsurface, and the development of numerical models. From a geophysical perspective, this involves both electrical and seismic methods for mapping rock layers in order to determine optimal drilling locations. In the second step, four boreholes with a target depth of 100 m will be drilled, in which extensive geophysical and hydraulic measurements will be conducted. Cross-hole measurements will be used to obtain high-resolution images of the subsurface.