First results of the „Forschungsbohrung Krefeld“

As part of the Geothermal Master Plan of North Rhine-Westphalia, the Geological Survey of NRW carried out a nearly 1000 Meters deep drilling in the city centre of Krefeld. Since detailed geological data of the deeper subsurface was sparse in the area, cores were recovered for the entire Palaeozoic interval of the drilling. The primary objective was to fully penetrate the Mississippian (Carboniferous) sedimentary succession of the Kohlenkalk Group and to characterize the geothermal potential of this reservoir.

The borehole intersected a complex sedimentary succession. Particular focus is placed on the lithological and facies variability of the carbonate platform facies of the Kohlenkalk Group, which comprises alternating layers of mostly limestone and dolomite. We present first results based on core descriptions, geophysical well logging, and biostratigraphic analyses which allow a refined stratigraphic subdivision of the sedimentary succession. In addition, the overlying Tertiary and Quaternary deposits provide important insights into the more recent geological development of the Lower Rhine Embayment.

The data obtained from the well contribute essential geoscientific information for the better understanding of the geological setting, for the advancement of regional 3D geological models and for assessing the geothermal potential of deeper subsurface formations. The borehole thus represents a key stratigraphic reference point for future geological modelling, resource assessment, and site planning in support of the energy transition in North Rhine-Westphalia.