An innovative search in the Madrid underground
The Community of Madrid, led by President Isabel Díaz Ayuso, is about to take a bold step towards energy sustainability. In response to the imminent decommissioning of nuclear power plants and the challenges posed by last year's blackout, the regional government has decided to explore an unconventional energy source: underground heat.
Known as Cibeles, this ambitious project aims to harness high-enthalpy geothermal energy, a technique that allows electricity generation using underground heat at temperatures exceeding 150 degrees Celsius. This approach not only promises a continuous energy supply but also reduces dependence on intermittent renewable sources like solar and wind.
The initial steps of the project include signing five contracts in the coming weeks to investigate several strategic points in northern Madrid. The selected areas encompass municipalities such as Alcobendas, San Sebastián de los Reyes, Tres Cantos, among others.
Although a previous attempt in the 1980s to find oil reserves in San Sebastián de los Reyes was unsuccessful, a significant underground heat pocket was discovered. At depths reaching 3,400 meters, temperatures close to 156 degrees Celsius were recorded, which has sparked renewed interest from the Geological and Mining Institute (IGME) and other research entities.
The plan designed by the technical teams outlines a phased approach: during the first year, crucial information about geological conditions will be collected; if the existence of hot air is confirmed, 3D seismic studies and procedures to open an exploratory well will proceed in the second year; finally, in the third year, a monitoring borehole will be drilled to assess its productive potential.
As Madrid moves towards this new energy era, the community hopes not only to diversify its energy sources but also to position itself as a leader in sustainable innovation. The reuse of existing wells ensures a smaller ecological footprint while exploring new energy possibilities beneath our feet.
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