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Geothermal energy 2026: Choosing the right Atlas Copco compressor for the drilling depth
The heat transition is causing the market for geothermal probes in Germany to explode. Any drilling company that wants to stay competitive in 2026 needs the right compressed air setup—otherwise, a job can quickly turn into a money-losing venture.
Geothermal Boom 2026: The Numbers Every Driller Should Know
Around 480,000 geothermal probes and collector systems are currently installed in Germany—with about 15,000 new systems added annually (Source: German Geothermal Association, 2024). The Heat Planning Act is ramping up the pressure: Cities with over 100,000 residents must submit their municipal heat plans by June 30, 2026.
Added to this is the federal government’s BEG subsidy: a 30–70% grant for replacing fossil fuel heating systems, plus a special rate of €30 per meter drilled for geothermal probes. Drilling schedules are full, and compressor availability is tight.
Why down-the-hole hammers are the standard for deep geothermal probes
In solid rock—Southern Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland—down-the-hole (DTH) drilling is the standard method. Typical bore diameters for DN32/DN40 double-U probes range from 152–165 mm. The compressed air must perform two tasks simultaneously: drive the hammer and convey cuttings upward at 20–35 m/s.
Compressed Air Design: The Three Key Values
1. Air flow rate (FAD, m³/min)
| Hammer size | Drill diameter | Air requirement @ 24 bar |
|---|---|---|
| 4" / QL40 | 108–133 mm | 11–18 m³/min |
| 5" / QL50 | 140–159 mm | 17–20 m³/min |
| 6" / QL60 | 152–216 mm | 24–28 m³/min |
| 8" / QL80 | 200–254 mm | 35–47 m³/min |
2. Operating pressure (bar)
- Up to 200 m: 24–25 bar is sufficient
- 200–400 m: 30 bar is required
- Over 400 m or high water level: 35 bar plus a booster
Rule of thumb: 10 meters of water column = 1 bar of back pressure.
Atlas Copco DrillAir V28, X28, Y35 comparison
| Specifications | V28 | X28 | Y35 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max. working pressure | 25 bar | 30 bar | 35 bar |
| FAD @ nominal pressure | 30.3 m³/min | 29.1 m³/min | 34.8 m³/min |
| Dynamic Flow Boost | yes | yes | up to 39 m³/min |
| Engine | Scania DC13 | Scania DC13 | Scania DC16 |
| Power | 368 kW / 500 hp | 368 kW / 500 hp | 450 kW / 612 hp |
| Emissions standard | EU Stage V | EU Stage V | EU Stage V |
| Weight | 6.8 t | 6.8–7.3 t | ~ 9 t |
Which compressor for which depth?
150–250 m: V28 — the most economical choice for standard EWS up to 250 m at 25 bar.
250–400 m: X28 or Y35 — the X28 with 30 bar is the natural next step; the Y35 for multiple EWS per day and up to 500 m/day capacity.
Over 400 m: Y35 plus booster — at this depth and beyond, a booster (e.g., Atlas Copco B18) is required to boost pressure from 35 bar up to 90 bar.
Booster: When and how
- B7 — small booster, inlet 10–25 bar
- B13/B18 — mid-range, single-stage up to 100 bar, two-stage up to 207 bar
- Y35 + B18 — standard combination for deep geothermal energy
Approx. 10% FAD loss per booster stage. Purchasing a B18 pays off only after 400–600 days of use — for seasonal deep drilling operations, renting (€250–450/day) is more economical.
Competitors at a glance
- CompAir TurboScrew — up to 24 bar, no proprietary booster line
- Sullair — up to 14 bar, boosters only via OEM
- Doosan / Bobcat — portable up to 14 bar, no high-pressure range
Atlas Copco is the de facto standard in Europe for 25–35 bar DTH geothermal drilling.
What will be important for the industry in 2026
- GeoTHERM Expo Offenburg, February 26–27, 2026
- Heat planning deadline for major cities: June 30, 2026
- BEG subsidy: €30/drilling meter + 20% climate speed bonus until the end of 2028
- Only ~8 top companies with DVGW W120-2 certification — those who upgrade will benefit
Conclusion
Tip for 2026: Those drilling 150–300 m will find the X28 the most cost-effective option. Those undertaking industrial projects over 300 m will need the Y35 plus an optional B18 booster.
At machinery-market.eu you’ll find
Professional dealers regularly list Atlas Copco DrillAir compressors—both used and new—on our marketplace. Matching ADLER drilling rigs (B15 to B200) for various drilling depths are also available.
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