At the VGP Park grEEn Campus in Rüsselsheim, one of the most complex geothermal projects in Germany is currently being realized.On the site of the former Opel plant, a large-scale geothermal system is being installed to provide sustainable heating and cooling for the future Stellantis and Opel headquarters.
A total of 468 geothermal absorbers are being installed, covering a heating capacity of 280 kW and a cooling capacity of 420 kW.
What makes this project particularly unique is not only its scale, but also its technical complexity. The absorber field is being installed beneath a parking structure at a depth of approximately 1.5 meters – a setup that requires highly precise planning and execution, as natural regeneration through sunlight or rainwater is not possible.
In addition, the entire system is being realized within an extremely tight construction schedule. From prefabrication of absorber modules to installation and piping on site, the project is being completed in just over two months.
This combination of time pressure, structural constraints, and system complexity makes it one of the most challenging geothermal projects implemented in Germany in recent years.
Our Contribution: GN X Geothermal Chambers
As part of this project, GN delivered the GN X geothermal chambers, which serve as central connection points within the system.
These chambers form the interface between the geothermal absorber fields and the downstream energy infrastructure. They ensure that the individual absorber circuits are safely combined, distributed, and made accessible for operation and maintenance.
From an engineering perspective, the GN X chambers provide:
- reliable hydraulic integration of multiple absorber loops
- optimized flow conditions with minimal pressure losses
- durable and robust construction for underground installation
- safe access points for inspection and maintenance
- seamless integration into complex geothermal systems
Economic Advantage Through System Design
A key factor in the success of this project was the use of the GN X system.
Without this solution, conventional spiral-wound chambers would have been required. These are significantly heavier, more complex to install, and considerably more expensive in terms of manufacturing, transport, and on-site handling.
By using the GN X chambers, the project benefited from:
- significantly reduced weight
- easier handling on site
- faster installation processes
- improved integration into the construction workflow
Most importantly, the economic impact was substantial:
Without the GN X series, the costs for this part of the project would have been approximately three times higher.
Conclusion
The VGP Park grEEn Campus in Rüsselsheim demonstrates how modern geothermal systems can be implemented even under highly demanding conditions.
At the same time, it highlights the importance of choosing the right infrastructure components. With the GN X geothermal chambers, GN contributes not only to the technical performance of the system, but also to its economic viability.
