News

Mittenwalde, December 2025 UGS GmbH has been awarded the contract by Energie und Wasser Potsdam GmbH (EWP) for the implementation of the geothermal project “Exploration of Geothermal Energy at the HKW Süd Site” in the state capital Potsdam. In this project, the company’s own drilling rig, Rig 110, will be fully utilized over several months. The rig has undergone extensive modernization over the past six months and is now fully electrically powered—an important step toward fossil-free operations and further decarbonization of the energy supply. “Geothermal energy is a key technology of the energy transition. With the modernized, fully electric Rig 110, we now have a powerful system that will significantly enhance the efficiency of our drilling operations in the future. We are pleased that EWP has placed its trust in us to carry out this important project in Potsdam,” says Dr. Feldrappe, Geothermal Expert at UGS GmbH. The project marks another milestone in expanding UGS’s geothermal expertise and contributes to the sustainable heat supply of the state capital. The geothermal plant being developed in southern Potsdam is intended to replace the Süd heating plant in the future as part of the district heating supply, in combination with other renewable energy sources. For further information on planning services and project implementation in the field of geothermal energy, Dr. Feldrappe is available as a contact person.

From 18 to 20 November 2025, this year’s Geothermal Energy Congress took place in Frankfurt am Main. More than 500 participants from industry, research institutions, and public authorities came together to discuss current developments in geothermal energy and to exchange technical expertise. Our colleagues on site made use of the opportunity to speak with plant operators, project developers, and partners about their needs, challenges, and future projects. Numerous valuable contacts were established, and existing partnerships were strengthened. With their specialist presentations, Dr. Jochen Zemke and Dr. Hagen Feldrappe enriched the programme and drew particular attention to key technical issues. We thank all discussion partners for the constructive exchange, as well as the German Geothermal Association (Bundesverband Geothermie e. V.) for the excellent organisation of this important technical event.

Thank you very much for the valuable exchange! On 13 November 2025, UGS GmbH in Mittenwalde had the pleasure of welcoming numerous representatives from politics, the gas storage industry, the brine industry, the hydrogen sector, research, mining authorities, geothermal energy, and the media. Together, we discussed a key topic of current energy policy: “Overpriced gas molecules stored underground – a new paradox of the Storage Act or a new economics of security of supply?” The focus was on the effects of regulatory requirements, price formation for storage fillings, and the role of underground energy storage in a changing energy market. A heartfelt thank-you goes to our outstanding speakers for their expertise and inspiring contributions: - Sabine Augustin, RWE Gas Storage West GmbH “Energy transition? Absolutely! – How H₂ storage ensures energy security” - Dr. Heiko Lohmann, Author & Journalist “State intervention: A disaster for the storage market?” - Reinhard Rümler Rümmler, PricewaterhouseCoopers GmbH - Dr. Stephan Dewald, DEWALD & Projects “Is the current regulatory regime suitable for storage assets in Germany?” - Stephan Bauer, RAG Austria AG “Underground Sun Storage – Insights from 10 years of hydrogen in pore reservoirs” A big thank-you also goes to all guests, customers and partners who contributed to the success of the event through their participation and trust. We are already looking forward to further exchange and to shaping tomorrow’s energy world together!

On 16 October 2025, Dr Jochen Zemke, expert in CO₂ storage at Untergrundspeicher- und Geotechnologie-Systeme GmbH (UGS), took part as a lecturer in the webinar ‘CCS – but where? Storage options in a reality check’. His presentation focused on the question of how geological formations in Germany can be used for the safe and sustainable storage of CO₂ – both onshore and offshore. Dr Zemke explained that Germany has considerable geological potential for CO₂ storage. However, he said it was crucial to tap this potential under clear legal conditions, with reliable monitoring and transparency towards the public. ‘CO₂ storage is technically safe and economically feasible – provided that planning and approval are carried out transparently and quickly,’ Dr Zemke emphasised in his presentation. He highlighted the importance of early site assessment and careful risk analysis to ensure both safety and acceptance during implementation. The webinar made it clear that the safe and permanent storage of CO₂ is a key component of a climate-neutral industry in Germany. With his many years of experience in the field of underground storage, Dr Zemke makes an important contribution to the technical and social discussion about practicable CCS solutions in Germany. Dr Zemke is available as a contact person for further information on planning and implementation services in the field of CO₂ storage.

Since September 15, 2025, Mr. Fredrik Ljungman has been the Managing Director of UGS GmbH. The energy markets in Germany and Europe have undergone massive changes in recent years. Technologies such as hydrogen storage, geothermal energy, and CCS/CCUS have become indispensable components of the energy industry. Many companies and investors have already chosen to actively pursue these future-oriented paths. Mr. Ljungman brings with him more than 20 years of experience in various international companies. With his expertise, he aims to support and advance UGS GmbH both in its new strategic direction and in the strengthening and further development of the traditional storage business. He looks forward with confidence to the upcoming tasks and opportunities in a rapidly changing market environment.

This year's GeoTHERM expo & congress took place in Offenburg on February 20/21, 2025. The number of visitors and exhibitors has once again increased significantly, making GeoTHERM the “world's leading trade fair for geothermal energy” according to the organizers. The mood in the industry is very good, as many major projects are in the pipeline. Despite the difficult financial situation, the future government is expected not to turn away from the transformation process and to continue to drive forward the expansion of renewables. We were able to talk to many current and future customers, partners, service companies and authorities on site about upcoming and new projects. There was a lively exchange of information, which once again underlined the great interest in the industry. We would like to thank our discussion partners at the trade fair for the constructive exchange and also our employees for their professional and dedicated preparation and follow-up of the trade fair. In 2026, UGS GmbH will once again contribute to the success of GeoTHERM.

Today (04.02.2025), in the presence of Dr Abdel Haq, Mrs Cichowicz, Mrs Liebe, Mr Wawrok and Dr Nickel, the original seal was officially handed over by Mrs Lucas, the BG inspector responsible for UGS. Frank Nickel Safety Engineer

On 21.11.2024, the 8th UGS GmbH customer seminar took place at our premises - this time under the motto "Postmodern Storage". The event brought together 80 participants from various sectors of the industry, including storage operators, energy suppliers, mining authorities, research institutes, analysts, journalists and service providers.

In general, it is clear that geothermal energy is recognized by many as a major growth market that is worth investing in. For example, the Heat Planning Act requires municipal utilities to develop a heat supply concept by 2026 and beyond (depending on the number of inhabitants) that is primarily based on renewable energies and increasingly eliminates fossil fuels. In this respect, the pressure to develop concepts is great. However, the industry has also recognized that the Fuel Emissions Trading Act (BEGH) will result in significantly higher costs for companies in the future if CO2 emissions are high. For this reason, numerous representatives from industry (e. g. MAN, Opel, ...) and also from the banking sector (BNP Paribas) were present, who are thinking hard and looking for a wide range of services. We would like to thank everyone who was involved in preparing for and following up on the trade fair and, of course, our colleagues on site. We are already looking forward to GeoTHERM 2025 (20/21.02.2025), which will once again be held in Offenburg.