MTU aircraft engine set up (source: facebook.com/MTUAeroEngines/)

Munich-based aircraft engine manufacturer MTU Aero Engines has tapped Daldrup & Söhne AG for a drilling contract for a geothermal heating project.

German drilling company Daldrup & Söhne AG has been awarded the general contractor contract by MTU Aero Engines AG (MTU) for the construction of a geothermal doublet for the aircraft engine manufacturer’s Munich facilities. The contract has a value of at least $2 million and work is scheduled to start by Spring 2023.

MTU is a Munich-based aircraft engine manufacturer specializing in both military and civil aircraft applications. We had previously reported on the plans of MTU to integrate geothermal heating to their facilities and a prior application for a geothermal exploration permit from the government of Upper Bavaria.

MTU aims to use geothermal energy for process and space heating for their buildings, possibly reducing the current fossil fuel usage by up to 88%. The use of geothermal energy for cooling is also being explored. To achieve this, Daldrup has been contracted to drill boreholes to depths of approximately 3300 meters.

“MTU has recognised the potential of geothermal energy for heat supply. This is the first German DAX-listed company to take an important step towards decarbonising its energy-intensive production with the help of geothermal energy. Other companies will follow this example.” said Daldrup & Söhne AG Chairman of the Board Andreas Tönies.

Daldrup & Söhne AG has more than 75 years of experience as a specialized supplier of drilling and environmental services and is among the leading companied positioned in Germany. The company had previously provided services for several geothermal projects in Germany, as well as in the Netherlands and Belgium.