BASF and Vulcan Energy have initiated 2D seismic surveys in Germany’s Upper Rhine Graben, a geologically active rift zone with high geothermal potential and home to BASF’s headquarters, to assess geothermal energy potential. Running from late February to early March, these surveys deploy two vibration trucks along a 75 km route, using sound waves to map subsurface geology.

For this purpose, the vehicles use a metal plate, which is placed on the ground every 10 to 40 meters and generates vibrations for about one minute. The resulting sound waves are reflected by the underground rock layers and then recorded by so-called geophones—small, highly sensitive microphones placed on the ground.

The collected data will guide a planned 3D seismic survey in winter 2025/2026, ultimately informing potential deep drilling projects. If successful, this initiative could provide BASF with up to 4 million tons of CO₂-free steam annually, support regional district heating, and enable sustainable lithium extraction from geothermal brine.

Lithium is to be extracted from the thermal water brine through direct lithium extraction via adsorption. Geothermal energy will be used via heat pumps to generate CO₂-free steam. Currently, about 50% of BASF’s steam demand is met by gas and steam power plants, which generate greenhouse gas emissions during production. In addition to industrial use, deep geothermal energy offers the possibility of generating district heating for private households.

• BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany
• Vulcan Energy, Karlsruhe, Germany