Temperatures rise by 3°C for every 100 meters of depth, the further down into the Earth you go. In the Earth's core it is estimated at 5,000 to 6,000°C, forming an immense, renewable and climate-friendly energy source that can be tapped ever more effectively using modern technologies.

More than half of our heating needs could be met using just hydrothermal and near-surface geothermal energy. At depths of 3,000 to 7,000 meters, hot dry rock power plants could produce enough energy to supply us for 10,000 years with power and heat, according to the GtV (German Geothermics Association). "Geothermal energy is always available to the user when it is needed: around the clock, whatever the time of day or season of the year, regardless of weather and climate," points out the GtV. "And because there are no long transport routes needed, the industry has chosen the motto 'Geothermal energy is on the spot.'"

At the Geothermics expertise center at HANNOVER MESSE 2012, associations, companies and experts demonstrate innovative concepts and the latest technical solutions across the entire geothermal chain. "We're committed to presenting our innovations and applications to an international audience at the trade fair," said Prof. Rolf Bracke, CEO of Wirtschaftsvereinigung Geothermie.

Planning, installation and operation – the geothermics expertise center showcases every stage in the near-surface and deep geothermal value chain, all in the same place for the first time. It includes a theme park, individual exhibition areas and a marketplace for large exhibits in Hall 27 and outdoors. The geothermal expertise center's partners are GtV, GEOZENTRUM HANNOVER, GeothermieZentrumBochum, GeoEnergy Celle and the International Geothermal Association.