Oil company OMV AG (OMV) plans a seismic campaign to explore deep geothermal potential in the Greater Graz area, located in the East Styrian basin. Scheduled from December 2025 to March 2026, this operation aims to identify potential reservoirs at depths ranging from 700 to 3,500 metres. OMV draws on experience gained from its joint project called “deeep,” conducted with Wien Energie in the Vienna Basin. The collected data will enable evaluation of the technical and economic feasibility for future exploitation.
Methodology and timeline
OMV technical teams will use specialised trucks to generate controlled vibrations primarily along public roads. These vibrations, comparable to natural ground movements, will be captured by geophones placed at the surface to record reflections from underground rock layers. The method, known as seismic reflection, is a globally proven practice employed by the Austrian group. The programme will total approximately 900 kilometres of seismic measurements and last several weeks between late 2025 and early 2026.
After completing this campaign, OMV geophysical experts will process and analyse the data to obtain an accurate mapping of the Styrian subsurface. Once the seismic phase concludes, OMV plans to drill an exploratory well in the second half of 2026. This complementary operation aims to definitively confirm the presence of reservoirs identified during the seismic measurements.
Local partnerships and regulatory conditions
Should the geothermal resources be positively confirmed, OMV intends to jointly develop the site with two local energy companies, Energie Steiermark and Energie Graz. This partnership’s long-term objective is to generate thermal energy to supply the city of Graz with district heating. However, final implementation of the project remains dependent on approval by the relevant competition regulatory authorities.
The project is currently in an administrative validation phase, ensuring compliance with all necessary legal requirements. All permits must be obtained prior to the actual execution of seismic works and subsequent drilling. These administrative procedures represent a critical step before the effective launch of field operations planned from the end of 2025.
Strategic significance for OMV
According to Berislav Gaso, OMV Executive Vice President Energy, this deep geothermal initiative represents a central component of the Austrian oil group’s energy transition strategy. Gaso states that the objective is to provide local households with climate-neutral heat through district networks. This initiative in the Styrian region fully aligns with OMV’s aim to diversify its energy activities while ensuring sustainable local supply.
