Field Trip 4

Geothermal Energy Utilization in the Styrian Basin: A Success Story of Sustainable Agriculture

Date:
Friday 9 June 2023

Field Trip Leaders:

  • Wolfgang Siedl (OMV E&P)
  • David Misch (Montanuniversitaet Leoben)
  • Reinhard Sachsenhofer (Montanuniversitaet Leoben)

Description

The Styrian Basin is one of Austria’s most promising areas considering its potential for geothermal energy utilization. Nevertheless, apart from spas, the number of successful operations is limited. The field trip will offer the unique opportunity to visit the facilities of Frutura, an organic vegetable producer that meets the highest standards of sustainability and regionality. The key to Frutura’s success is its energy autonomy, which is secured by a geothermal doublet producing hot water from Paleozoic carbonates. On site, the regional geology as well as details about the geothermal reservoir and the well design will be introduced, followed by a guided tour to the greenhouses and the geothermal site. After a lunch break, outcrops of Plio-/Pleistocene volcanic rocks will be visited. This young volcanism indicates a strong crustal extension, which results in an elevated geothermal gradient in the Styrian Basin.

Riegersburg

Health and Safety requirements

Walking tours are short and accessible to anyone of average fitness. Please bring field-ready clothes, optional sun protection, solid footwear, and a water bottle.
 

Route Information

Schedule

All time in CEST

TimeActivity
08:00Departure from Vienna
10:15Arrival at Frutura
10:30 – 12:30Presentation and tour at Frutura
12:45Departure from Frutura
13:15 – 14:30Lunch in Riegersburg
14:30 – 15:30Outcrop visit Riegersburg Plio-/Pleistocene volcanites
17:45Arrival in Vienna
Meeting Point

Pick up and drop off point: in front of Hall A of Messe Wien (marked in red on the map).

Kindly remember to:

  • Bring your delegate badge.
  • Be at the meeting point at least 20 mins before departure.
EAGE Annual 2023 - Fieldtrip Meeting Point - Hall A
Stephansdom_kl
The gothic St. Stephens Cathedral in the City of Vienna.
Looshaus_kl
Cipollino marble at Looshouse (Michaeler-Platz) from the Greek island of Euboea.
Map_by_Boue_1843
The oldest geological map of the world (1843) by Ami Boué is kept at the library of the Geological Survey.