NATURLICH INSHEIM GMBH

Their core work

Natürlich Insheim is a German private company specializing in geothermal energy operations, based in Karlsruhe. They contribute applied expertise in geothermal fluid characterization, thermal system optimization, and plant-level engineering to EU research consortia. Their work focuses on understanding the complex thermodynamic and geochemical behavior of geothermal fluids under extreme conditions — high temperatures, high salinity, and multi-phase flow — to improve the efficiency and cost-competitiveness of geothermal power plants. Their participation in multiple H2020 geothermal projects with substantial funding suggests they operate or are closely tied to geothermal plant infrastructure, likely the Insheim geothermal site in Rhineland-Palatinate.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Natürlich Insheim's H2020 portfolio spans a tight window (2019–2020 start dates), so evolution is limited but directional. Early keywords emphasize plant-level engineering — ORC turbines, cooling systems, thermal storage — reflecting operational optimization of existing geothermal infrastructure. The more recent focus shifts deeper into fundamental fluid science: geochemistry, reaction kinetics, multi-phase flow, and extreme-condition thermophysical properties, suggesting a move toward understanding root causes of operational challenges rather than just managing symptoms.

They are deepening their scientific understanding of geothermal fluids at extreme conditions, positioning themselves to solve persistent operational problems (scaling, corrosion, efficiency loss) that currently limit geothermal competitiveness.

How they like to work

Natürlich Insheim participates exclusively as a consortium partner, never as coordinator, which is typical for an industry SME contributing applied expertise and site access rather than managing large research programs. With 55 unique partners across 21 countries from just 3 projects, they operate in large, internationally diverse consortia. This suggests they are valued as a specialist contributor — likely providing real-world geothermal plant data and operational knowledge that academic partners need to validate their research.

Despite only 3 projects, they have collaborated with 55 distinct partners across 21 countries, indicating deep integration into Europe's geothermal research community. Their network spans well beyond Germany, covering a broad geographic range typical of large H2020 energy consortia.

What sets them apart

Natürlich Insheim brings something rare to geothermal research consortia: direct operational experience from a working geothermal site combined with deep engagement in fluid science. Most geothermal SMEs either run plants or do research — this company bridges both worlds, providing real-world fluid samples, operational data, and site-level validation that purely academic partners cannot offer. For anyone building a geothermal consortium, they represent a credible industry partner with hands-on knowledge of the messy realities of geothermal exploitation in Central Europe.

Highlights from their portfolio

• GeoSmart
  By far their largest project (EUR 3.09M in EC funding), focused on making geothermal plants competitive through smart, flexible operation — covers ORC, thermal storage, and cooling technologies.
• REFLECT
  Tackles the frontier challenge of redefining fluid properties at extreme conditions, including radioactive scales and extremophile bacteria — unusual and high-impact research topics for a private company.