Shallow geothermal energy-current legal situation

The use of shallow geothermal energy (< 400 m depth) is regulated by different federal laws, as for example the water act and mining act. Yet, there is no special law for shallow geothermal energy. Federal state laws, instructions and guidelines specify them. To restrict temperature anomalies only detached temperature thresholds and minimum distances exist. In this study relevant federal regulations are presented and discussed. In addition, an international overview on temperature thresholds for the groundwater and on minimum distances for ground source heat pump systems is given. It is recognizable that there are national and international only few regulations and that they are also heterogeneous. A fundamental revision is necessary to homogenize the legal situation and to avoid negative effects on the subsurface.