OMV and Energie Steiermark have announced a partnership to develop the Tiefenkraft deep geothermal project in Styria, Austria, following the successful completion of a regional seismic survey.
Between February and April 2026, approximately 900 km of seismic measurement lines were acquired to build a detailed subsurface model for the project. The data will support the next phase, including the planned Petersdorf 2 exploration well near Graz, scheduled to be drilled in the fourth quarter of 2026.
If successful, the project could deliver up to 670 GWh of geothermal energy annually by 2037, supplying around half of the district heating demand in the greater Graz region.
The initiative combines OMV's subsurface expertise in geology and drilling with Energie Steiermark's district heating infrastructure, highlighting how oil and gas exploration capabilities are increasingly being applied to geothermal development.
Image credit: OMV Aktiengesellschaft
