The use of environmentally friendly geothermal energy for heating purposes is becoming increasingly important. The main systems used are

• Collector systems (approx. 1-2 m below ground level (GOK))
• geothermal probes up to 100 m below ground level or
• Spiral probe systems that extend to around 4 m below ground level

There are areas in which the use of geothermal energy is permitted, conditionally permitted or not permitted.

In protection zones I and II of water protection areas (e.g. in the Fallersleben medicinal spring protection area), use is generally not permitted; in protection zones IIIa and IIIb (e.g. the Eischott water protection area or the Brackstedt/Weyhausen drinking water extraction area), use is conditionally permitted. In the conditionally permitted areas, geothermal probes may not be sunk into the aquifer from which drinking water is extracted.

The water authority must be notified of the construction of geothermal systems using the completed and signed drilling notification form, including the documents specified on the form. The water authority decides on the project and issues a corresponding notification. The drilling must also be notified online to the State Office for Mining, Energy and Geology (LBEG).

Further information on the use of geothermal energy and guidelines are available on the website of the Lower Saxony Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Climate Protection.