No more coal is to be burnt in Germany by 2038, and no more natural gas by 2050. Renewable energy sources are to replace them, and for the heating sector this primarily means geothermal energy. The Chair of Geothermal Energy Systems (GES) bridges the gap between engineering and geosciences and researches geotechnologies for the extraction, utilisation and storage of geothermal energy and strategically important energy resources.
We work closely with the Fraunhofer IEG to drive forward the heat transition.
Raw materials and heat from deep underground – an economic opportunity for northern Germany?
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The German Geothermal Association has awarded the 2026 Patricius Medal to Prof. Rolf Bracke, director of Fraunhofer IEG and holder of the Chair of Geothermal Energy Systems at Ruhr University Bochum. The award ceremony took place on October 23, 2026, during the Geothermal Congress in Potsdam. The association's highest honor recognizes his many years of service to applied geothermal research and the development of geothermal technologies in Germany.
Prof. Bracke played a key role in shaping the development of Fraunhofer IEG and provided important impetus for the use of geothermal energy as a sustainable energy source. Particular emphasis was placed on his contributions to roadmaps for deep and near-surface geothermal energy, as well as his commitment to translating scientific findings into concrete applications.
This commitment is also evident in Bochum: In collaboration with Stadtwerke Bochum, Fraunhofer IEG is harnessing mine water from a former mine to provide heating and cooling for a new industrial park. The project demonstrates how geothermal technologies can contribute to climate-friendly heating and open up new opportunities for former mining regions.
This award underscores the importance of geothermal energy for the heating transition and a sustainable energy supply.
In September, our two Master’s students, Seyedeh Hasti Tabatabaei and Arkadii Agafonov, presented their research at the GeoMin conference in Bochum.
In her master’s thesis, Hasti focuses on the technical and economic evaluation of geothermal probes that use water as a heat transfer fluid. Arkadii is investigating the potential for lithium extraction from geothermal brines in the Buntsandstein formation in the Altmark region.
Both projects contribute to the further development of sustainable geothermal technologies and the utilization of strategically important raw materials.
We are delighted that our master’s students were able to present their research findings at the conference and discuss them with the scientific community!
A major success for Arkadii Agafonov: With his paper “Lithium Occurrence in Bunter Sandstone Formation Waters of the North German Basin,” he impressed the jury at this year’s Geothermal Congress (DGK 2026) and was named the winner of the Science Bar 2026. In addition, he received the Young Researchers’ Award from the German Geothermal Association (Bundesverband Geothermie e. V.).
Arkadii Agafonov is conducting research in collaboration with Neptune Energy on a topic of particular interest for the future use of geothermal resources: the presence of lithium in formation waters of the Buntsandstein Formation in the North German Basin. The study of such natural deposits can provide important insights for the development and utilization of geothermal resources, as well as for assessing the lithium potential in the subsurface.
The Science Bar is organized by the “Young Geothermal Energy” working group and offers early-career researchers the opportunity to present their research to a broad audience of experts in a concise and engaging manner. The competition thus promotes scientific exchange and highlights innovative research approaches in the field of geothermal energy.
The awards ceremony took place during the joint boat trip for the social evening and was a highlight of the event.
The Chair of Geothermal Energy Systems extends its warmest congratulations to Arkadii Agafonov on this outstanding achievement and is delighted that his scientific work has been recognized. This award underscores the importance of innovative research and dedicated young scientists for the further development of geothermal energy.
Congratulations on this well-deserved success!
Copyright © GES 2026
Last update: Oct 29, 2026
