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Developing resilient, renewable infrastructure in the heart of the city
Implementing sustainable energy systems in complex urban environments requires in-depth technical expertise, long-term thinking and close collaboration with all project stakeholders - right from the earliest planning phases. M&P Energy - Member of the SIERA Alliance specialises in the planning and implementation of integrated energy concepts, with a clear focus on geothermal and renewable systems for Infrastructure, industrial and urban development projects. M&P Energy, as a member of the SIERA Alliance, is part of a multidisciplinary network of environmental and engineering experts working together under the mission „Engineering For A Better Tomorrow“ work.
One exemplary project that illustrates this approach is the new ÜSTRA depot Glocksee in Hanover. The project shows how geothermal energy can be successfully integrated into densely built-up urban infrastructure to ensure a reliable, low-CO₂ heat supply in the long term - without compromising ongoing operations.
Project context: Modernisation of a central municipal depot
The ÜSTRA Glocksee depot is the central light rail depot of the ÜSTRA Group. ÜSTRA Hannoversche Verkehrsbetriebe AG and is strategically located near the city centre of Hanover, between the Leine and Ihme rivers. The site has been in continuous use for decades, with the existing buildings between 1958 and 1980 were built.
As part of a comprehensive modernisation programme, the client initiated a New development in sections of the site, in which the existing buildings are replaced by new, future-proof facilities, while the Maintain operations remains. The project will be realised in two construction phases and comprises three new buildings:
- a workshop building
- an operations and transport service building
- a vehicle hall for the light rail fleet
The client defined a clear objective from the outset: the development of a renewable and resilient heat supply concept, which fulfils the long-term operational requirements of the site and at the same time significantly reduces the environmental impact.
Geothermal energy concept: the backbone of sustainable heat supply
In order to achieve these ambitious goals, M&P Energy was commissioned to develop and validate a suitable energy concept at an early stage of the project. The resulting solution is a hybrid system that Geothermal energy combined with district heating thus ensuring both sustainability and security of supply.
Within this system, the Geothermal energy plays a central role, by covering the majority of the site's heating requirements through reliable base load operation. District heating supplements the system and provides additional flexibility and redundancy, particularly at peak load times.
This integrated approach makes it possible to harmonise ecological performance, operational safety and economic efficiency - essential criteria for critical urban infrastructure.
From feasibility analysis to implementation: a data-based planning process
Due to the size and complexity of the site, the geothermal system was developed as part of a structured, multi-stage planning process.
Feasibility study
The project began with a comprehensive feasibility study in which the geological conditions, the expected heat demand, the system dimensioning and the regulatory requirements were evaluated. This early analysis formed the Basis for well-founded decisions and targeted risk minimisation.
Pilot drilling and site investigation
In order to validate the assumptions made during the feasibility phase M&P Energy a field study with a 150 metre deep geothermal pilot borehole through. This step provided crucial site-specific data on the subsoil conditions and thermal properties.
The knowledge gained from the pilot borehole was decisive for the further development of the system design and led to a final concept that is both technically resilient and optimised for long-term operation.
System simulation and environmental assessment
On the basis of the field data M&P Energy detailed System simulations including one 3D simulation of the thermal effects on the substrate. These simulations enabled a precise evaluation of heat extraction and regeneration scenarios over the entire life cycle of the system.
Based on this robust planning and verification process the authorities granted the authorisation for the construction and operation of the geothermal plant.
Technical system overview
The geothermal plant at the ÜSTRA depot Glocksee has been designed to provide reliable, sustainable heat for many decades. Key system features include:
- 60 geothermal probes, distributed over four strands with 15 probes each
- Probe depth: 150 metres
- Drilling underneath the buildings, to optimise the use of limited urban space
- Seasonal thermal balance through summer regeneration with the help of photovoltaic-thermal collectors (PVT)
The integration of PVT collectors makes it possible to feed excess heat generated in summer back into the ground. This approach effectively transforms the ground into a Seasonal thermal storage system, stabilises long-term performance and reduces the environmental impact.
Monitoring, system stability and long-term efficiency
To ensure reliable operation and transparency over the entire life cycle of the system, the geothermal system was equipped with a comprehensive monitoring concept:
- One central Temperature measuring point in the geothermal probe field
- Temperature and heat meters, which are integrated in the fluid circuit
This monitoring infrastructure enables continuous performance evaluation, early detection of deviations and long-term optimisation of operations. The system follows a clear seasonal operating cycle:
- Winter: Heat deprivation from the ground to heat the buildings
- Summer: Regeneration of excess thermal energy via PVT regeneration
This equalisation ensures a High operational reliability, efficiency and low operating costs, This makes the geothermal system a robust infrastructure investment for the coming decades.
Near-surface geothermal energy for urban infrastructure
The project at ÜSTRA's Glocksee depot shows how geothermal energy can be used successfully even in space-limited, operationally sensitive urban environments. Through the combination of early participation, data-based planning and integrated renewable technologies has M&P Energy a solution that harmonises ecological responsibility with operational reality.
As cities and infrastructure operators are under increasing pressure to reduce their CO₂ emissions, projects like this highlight the crucial role of geothermal systems in providing an energy-efficient energy supply. long-term, climate-resilient heat supply.
Are you planning an infrastructure, industrial or urban development project and looking for a future-proof, renewable energy solution?
M&P Energy - Member of the SIERA Alliance - supports customers from the initial feasibility studies through detailed planning and approval to the realisation of integrated geothermal and renewable energy systems.
Get in touch with our experts,how geothermal energy can be adapted to the specific technical, regulatory and sustainability requirements of your project - and take the next step towards a resilient, low-carbon infrastructure. Engineering for a Better Tomorrow