A problem inherent to hydrogeothermal systems is the phenomenon known as "scaling"—the continuous formation of crystalline mineral deposits from thermal water within or on flow-exposed components. These deposits lead to steadily increasing flow resistance and declining heat transfer coefficients, as well as sporadic leaks in the geothermal production circuit. On the one hand, these effects necessitate frequent, technically complex, and costly maintenance measures. On the other hand, scaling-induced issues—such as regular or sporadic production outages, the continuous decline in geothermal heat output, and the progressively rising demand for pumping electricity—must be offset by maintaining backup systems. Deploying these systems not only incurs significant additional operating costs but, given that they typically consist of fossil-fuel boilers or combined heat and power (CHP) units, also places a heavy burden on the carbon footprint of the geothermal heat supply.
The primary goal of GeoDescale is therefore to prevent scaling in hydrogeothermal heat generation as far as possible, thereby sustainably improving economic viability and significantly enhancing systemic resilience. A significant improvement in economic efficiency implies a direct reduction in specific heat generation costs and, indirectly, lower heat prices, leading to greater acceptance among end customers. Furthermore, the project aims for the complete decarbonization of these systems. In the long term, resolving the scaling problem is also intended to create the necessary conditions for the accelerated expansion of this technology in Germany.

GeoDescaleis a joint project between TUM.MEP, TUM.GTT, University of Duisburg, UFZ, TUBAF, Erdwärme Grünwald and GEF Ingenieur AG and is funded by the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE).

TUM.GTT is responsible for reservoir modelling.