GeoTHERM 2026: High-calibre congress programme with international speakers
- Two parallel congresses on near-surface and deep geothermal energy
- Technical presentations, practical examples and networking opportunities
- Simultaneous translation via app for the first time
GeoTHERM – the world's leading trade fair and congress for geothermal energy – will be focusing on the international trade audience on 26 and 27 February 2026. In addition to the 280 exhibitors from Germany and abroad who have registered so far, the focus is particularly on the two-day science congress programme, which is now available online.
Clear focus and division of topics
The international congress programme at GeoTHERM 2026 will feature leading experts from science and industry. Over two thematically focused congress days, the event will present the latest research findings, technological innovations and practical solutions for deep and near-surface geothermal energy.
Prof. Dr Detlev Doherr, Scientific Director of GeoTHERM, emphasises the importance of the current programme:
‘Since its inception, GeoTHERM has stood for the connection between science, business and practice. I am delighted that in 2026 we will once again be able to offer a scientific programme that is both high-quality in terms of content and groundbreaking for the future of geothermal energy.’
Congress programme available online
The first day of the congress will focus on topics such as geothermal power plant concepts and future possibilities for energy storage.
For example, Dr Thomas Kölbel (EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg AG) will present the development of the Bruchsal geothermal plant, which generates both electricity and heat. Investigations are currently underway to determine whether the product portfolio at the site can be supplemented by lithium extraction from hot deep water. At the same time, the thermal expansion of the geothermal plant in Bruchsal is currently being implemented by doubling the production capacity.
Prof. Dr. Ingrid Stober (University of Freiburg) highlights the role of geothermal storage as a central component of a future sustainable energy system. The focus is on two types of storage: borehole thermal energy storage (BTES) and aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES). Stober also discusses regional practical examples and the results of numerical modelling, which provide insights into the performance and possible applications of both types of storage.
The second day of the congress will focus on efficiency improvements and innovative measurement methods, among other topics.
Sean Hinke (Halliburton) will present various types of boreholes used in closed roop geothermal ranging and provide an overview of the current technological landscape of magnetic ranging technologies. He will highlight which technologies are particularly suitable for closed systems and describe typical challenges in the planning and implementation of such projects.
Lars Staudacher (ZAE Bayern) will emphasise the increasing importance of near-surface geothermal energy for future heat supply. In addition to classic geothermal probes, new types of heat sources such as trench collectors and geothermal baskets are coming into focus, offering advantages in terms of approval costs and investment costs. The aim is to fully exploit the economic advantages of novel systems over classic probes and to ensure their long-term performance.
For the first time, all presentations will be simultaneously translated on site via an app in three languages (German, English and French). The app can be installed on Android and iOS phones via a QR code. Subtitles can be displayed or a language version can be selected. For the best possible listening experience, please bring your own headphones.
The complete congress programme is available on the GeoTHERM website: www.geotherm-offenburg.de/en/congress-program
The admission ticket allows you to visit both the trade fair and the congress. The 1-day ticket is available until 31 December for EUR 50 and the 2-day ticket for EUR 80.
All tickets are conveniently available online at www.geotherm-offenburg.de/en/tickets-geotherm-2026.
Venue and organiser: Messe Offenburg, Schutterwälder Str. 3, 77656 Offenburg. Opening hours: Thursday, 26 February 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.; Friday, 27 February 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.
Further information on GeoTHERM is available at www.geotherm-offenburg.de. If you have any questions regarding content, please contact project manager Gabriele Weislogel on +49 (0)781 9226-246 or at weislogel [at] messe-offenburg.de.
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Press contakt Silke Wälde +49 (0)781 9226-239 presse [at] messe-offenburg.de