“Spremberg, what lies beneath us”: A series of events brings geothermal energy right into the heart of the town

Research right in the heart of Spremberg town centre

How can heat from deep underground be harnessed? What raw materials are found in geothermal fluids? And how can science, art and cuisine be brought together? The Spremberg Information Centre addressed these and many other questions in October, in collaboration with the GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences.

Throughout the event, members of the public were able to visit the GFZ pop-up shop on the premises of the Spremberg branch. The exhibition centred on a display showcasing the range of geothermal technologies. It vividly demonstrated the wide range of applications for geothermal energy: from near-surface geothermal probes and collectors, through underground heat and cold storage systems, to hydrothermal and petrothermal systems at depths of several kilometres.

Various rock samples also brought the subsurface to life. They encouraged visitors to take a closer look, spot the differences and learn more about the geological conditions required for the use of geothermal energy.

The GFZ’s geo-quiz was also very well received. Children and adults alike took the opportunity to test their knowledge, puzzle things out together and, in the process, learn new things about rocks, soil layers and geothermal energy. The quiz proved to be an accessible introduction to the subject matter and repeatedly sparked conversations amongst visitors. On Thursdays, GFZ staff were also on hand to answer questions and engage in direct discussion.

Two specialist talks on heat, raw materials and underground research

The series of specialist talks kicked off with a presentation by Prof. Dr Simona Regenspurg entitled ‘The Subsurface Treasure Trove: How Geothermal Energy Combines the Energy and Raw Materials Transitions’. A particular focus was placed on lithium, which is required, amongst other things, for the manufacture of batteries. Using a research project as an example, Prof. Dr Simona Regenspurg demonstrated how lithium could be extracted from geothermal fluids in the future. Further insights were provided into the geology of the North German Basin, the Rotliegend rock strata and the research being carried out at the Groß Schönebeck Geothermal Laboratory.

In the second specialist presentation, Daniel Acksel spoke on “Geothermal heat: Towards a climate-neutral transformation of the economy and the use of domestic resources”. Using Potsdam as an example, Daniel Acksel demonstrated how potential sites for geothermal drilling are investigated. Among other things, this involves the use of vibration vehicles that send controlled vibrations into the ground. Sensors, known as geophones, record how these vibrations propagate through the subsurface and are reflected by different rock layers. The data collected provides a detailed picture of the subsurface, which forms an important basis for planning drilling operations.

The subsurface as a space for artistic and culinary experiences

The ‘Art Workshop on Underground’ held at the RePost Zeitcafé demonstrated that the world beneath our feet can be viewed from more than just a scientific perspective. Led by Angela Ka Ki Lee, a Fellow at the Research Institute for Sustainability at the GFZ, participants engaged creatively with soil, layers of earth and landscapes.

Working in small groups, they created artworks that linked the subsurface with the surface, cities, places and the sky. At the same time, the participants explored the past, the present and possible visions of the future. At the end, the works were presented and discussed together. This led to a lively exchange on how scientific and social issues can be brought to life through artistic means.

The ‘Underground Snack’ workshop focused on regional soils, landscapes and food. The participants embarked on a culinary journey of discovery through Lusatia. Amidst linen cloths, heather, regional produce and stones from the opencast mine, a special atmosphere emerged in which scientific information was linked to taste, smell and personal memories. The three-course menu ranged from bread with herb butter made from ground pine needles and pollen, to a leaf soup made from maple and beech leaves, and finally to cream cheese with puffed buckwheat, regional grapes and baked red onions. During the event, participants learnt, amongst other things, about the acidification of regional soils and the historical significance of buckwheat in the Spremberg area.

Puzzles, learning and laughter together

Another highlight of the series was the joint quiz night organised by the Spremberg branch and the Quizlabor at the Erebos e. V. youth club in Spremberg-Trattendorf. The quiz tested knowledge, estimation skills and teamwork. For example, participants had to name soil layers, identify different types of rock and estimate temperatures at specific depths. A humorous change of pace was provided by tasks involving identifying well-known worms from films, books and video games, or solving picture puzzles.

In the end, the ‘Noteingang’ team came out on top with 46 out of a possible 60 points. The evening combined scientific content with entertainment and demonstrated that even challenging topics can be conveyed with great enjoyment and through collaborative puzzle-solving.

Experiencing science in different ways

With the GFZ pop-up shop, the Spremberg branch and the GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences have succeeded in bringing current research to Spremberg town centre in a variety of ways. The combination of an exhibition, a geo-quiz, one-to-one discussions, specialist talks, creative workshops and an entertaining quiz night appealed to a wide range of audiences.

It was particularly pleasing that people with prior specialist knowledge, as well as families, children and curious visitors, took advantage of the activities on offer. The wide range of formats made it possible not only to learn about the topics of geothermal energy, soil and the subsurface in theory, but also to see, touch, taste and discuss them together.

The series of events was funded by the ‘Science and Me’ programme run by theMinistry of Science, Research and Culture of the State of Brandenburg. The aim of the programme is to support innovative formats of science communication and to strengthen direct exchange between science and society.