Vienna drills deep: 20,000 households benefit from hot water!

Vienna drills deep: 20,000 households benefit from hot water!

Vienna has taken a significant step towards sustainable energy supply: on August 25, 2025, the city's first deep geothermal energy plant was officially inaugurated. OMV and Wien Energie have pumped boiling hot water to the surface from a depth of 3,000 meters in Aspern, in the Donaustadt district. This extremely exciting development could provide climate-friendly heat to over 20,000 households from 2028. City councilor Ulli Sima (SPÖ) particularly emphasizes the sustainability of this new district heating source.

The final drilling was completed in July 2023 and the system is currently undergoing production testing. In this test, the hot water is examined for its temperature, flow rate and chemical composition. Up to 3,400 cubic meters of water can be pumped weekly and then sent back underground. OMV CEO Berislav Gašo sees geothermal energy as a key to the transformation to a low-carbon company and emphasizes its importance for future energy supplies.

A promising future for Vienna

The ambitious plans continue: Wien Energie has set itself the goal of generating sustainable district heating for up to 200,000 households by 2040. A total of up to seven deep geothermal energy systems with a total output of around 200 megawatts are being planned. These projects not only set a new standard for the city, but also underline the commitment to meeting the population's heating needs in a climate-neutral manner. The costs for the first system amount to 90 million euros, with various institutions contributing to the financing.

The joint venture “deep” between OMV and Wien Energie aims to exploit the immense potential of deep geothermal energy. The planned drilling will be carried out not only as pilot drilling, but also as production and injection drilling in order to create a closed circuit. The cooled water is returned to the original reservoir, further enhancing the sustainability of the project.

Geothermal energy: A key to achieving climate goals

Why is geothermal energy important? This technology not only offers a consistent and year-round energy source, but can also help achieve the climate goals that Vienna is aiming for by 2040. The vision of a climate-neutral heat supply is now within reach. While Germany is still in the process of exploiting the full potential of deep geothermal energy, the Austrian capital sees no time to waste here.

In recent years, the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space has funded research into the use of deep geothermal energy. The findings are intended to help overcome the technical challenges and economic risks that currently limit use. Deep geothermal projects are of enormous importance, especially for urban heat supplies, as they can provide base load supply.

An on-site information center will also work to inform and inspire the public. Guided tours and exhibitions are intended to offer those interested the opportunity to find out more about the fascinating possibilities of geothermal energy. The development of the facility in Aspern is not only progress for Vienna, but will hopefully also inspire other cities to take similar paths.

This not only takes an important step towards a sustainable energy supply in the city, but also paves the way for future projects that could potentially have a lasting impact on the entire region. Every step counts to become more independent and environmentally friendly in terms of energy supply, and Vienna seems to have a good hand here.

For more information about this exciting project visit today.at, geothermie.de and bmftr.bund.de.