Apply for a soil excavation - geothermal response test
Erdaufschluss - Geothermal Response Test beantragen
Machine translation of the German page, 2026-09-15. The German original is binding.
Anyone who wants to use geothermal energy, for example to heat buildings, and needs to operate a geothermal system (Erdwärmeanlage) to do so, requires a permit from the water authority (Wasserbehörde). For geothermal systems with a heating capacity of more than 30 kW, a Geothermal Response Test must first be applied for and carried out at the water authority.
Procedure
• Submit a written application to the water authority for a Geothermal Response Test to be carried out.
• The water authority reviews your application and you receive a decision (Bescheid).
• You can then apply for a permit for groundwater use for a geothermal system with a heating capacity of more than 30 kW.
Book an appointment
Book an appointment (service.berlin.de)
Requirements
• The geothermal system has a heating capacity of more than 30 kW
Documents you need
• Application for Geothermal Response Test
Submit the application in writing by post and enclose all necessary documents.
• Overview plan and site plan
Overview plan showing the location of the property at a scale of 1:5.000, and a dimensioned site plan showing the planned locations of the geothermal probes and the associated pipework, at a scale of 1:200.
• Safety data sheet for the heat transfer fluid
• Specification of the probe type (double-U probe, single-U probe)
• Proof of the engagement of a drilling company certified under DVGW-Arbeitsblatt (DVGW Code of Practice) W 120-2
• If represented: Bauherrenvollmacht (client's power of attorney)
• Bauherrenvollmacht (client's power of attorney) stating the fee debtor, if the application is not submitted by that person themselves.
• In the case of a GbR (partnership under civil law), a natural or legal person with an address for service must be named as representative and fee payer (form accompanying the application form).
Forms
• Application for a Geothermal Response Test www.berlin.de/sen/uvk/_assets/umweltschutz/service/formulare
Fees
350.00 euros: per Geothermal Response Test (GRT, TRT, eGRT)
Note: If a permit is issued authorizing several such tests, the fee is charged for each approved GRT/TRT/eGRT.
Legal basis
• Wasserhaushaltsgesetz (WHG) [Federal Water Resources Act] www.gesetze-im-internet.de/whg_2009/
• Berliner Wassergesetz (BWG) [Berlin Water Act] <https://gesetze.berlin.de/jportal/?quelle=jlink&query=WasG+BE&psml=bsbeprod.psml&max=true>
• Grundwasserverordnung (GrwV) [Groundwater Ordinance] www.gesetze-im-internet.de/grwv_2010/
• Umweltschutzgebührenordnung (UGebO) [Environmental Protection Fees Ordinance], Tarifstelle 5044 e) [tariff item 5044 e)] gesetze.berlin.de/perma?d=jlr-UmwGebVBEV12Anlage
Processing time
2-3 months
Further information
• Use of geothermal energy in Berlin - guide for geothermal probes and geothermal collectors with a heating capacity of up to 30 kW (Senatsverwaltung für Mobilität, Verkehr, Klimaschutz und Umwelt [Senate Department for Mobility, Transport, Climate Action and the Environment]) www.berlin.de/sen/uvk/_assets/umwelt/wasser-und-geologie/pub
• Specification sheet on the methodology and documentation of thermohydrodynamic modeling as part of the water-law permit procedure for operating geothermal probe installations with a heating capacity of >30 kW (Senatsverwaltung für Mobilität, Verkehr, Klimaschutz und Umwelt) www.berlin.de/sen/uvk/_assets/umwelt/wasser-und-geologie/pub
• Further information on the use of geothermal energy and the construction of geothermal probes (Senatsverwaltung für Mobilität, Verkehr, Klimaschutz und Umwelt) www.berlin.de/sen/uvk/umwelt/wasser-und-geologie/grundwasser
• Erdaufschluss (ground excavation) - apply for a permit for the use of geothermal energy by means of geothermal probes, geothermal collectors, groundwater heat pumps and other systems (service) service.berlin.de/dienstleistung/351504/
Responsible for you
Choose a location; the appointment itself is booked on the original page.
- Senatsverwaltung für Mobilität, Verkehr, Klimaschutz und Umwelt
- SenMVKU (Brückenstrasse 6)
Original
Service number 351507 · same path as the original: service.berlin.de/dienstleistung/351507/