Michael Drews

Michael Drews is an Assistant Professor of Geothermal Technologies at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), where he leads research on deep geothermal energy systems. He is also a Core Member of the Munich Institute of Integrated Materials, Energy and Process Engineering (MEP) and the World Stress Map Project. His academic roles include Chair of the Admission Board for B.Sc. Geosciences and Study Advisor for B.Sc. Geosciences at TUM.

Dr. Drews graduated as a Diplom Geologist from the University of Mainz in 2008 and earned his PhD from Newcastle University (UK) in 2012 with research focused on stress and pressure-dependent behavior of fine-grained sediments. Prior to joining TUM in 2019, he worked as a global subject matter expert for pore pressure prediction in the petroleum industry in Houston and as a senior researcher in geomechanics at Friedrich-Alexander University in Erlangen, Germany.

His research primarily focuses on deep geothermal energy, particularly on the analysis, prediction, and monitoring of pressures and stresses in the upper 6 km of the Earth's crust. Dr. Drews combines techniques from various disciplines including drilling engineering and geophysics to minimize drilling, exploration, and production-related risks of deep geothermal energy projects. His current regional focus is on the Bavarian part of the North Alpine Foreland Basin, Germany's most active deep geothermal province.

Analysis of Dr. Drews' recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on geomechanical modeling, pore pressure analysis, and stress field characterization in geothermal systems. His work spans multiple disciplines including geomechanics, geophysics, hydrogeology, and energy engineering, with particular attention to risk assessment and mitigation in geothermal drilling operations. Many of his studies focus on the North Alpine Foreland Basin, where he has developed detailed models of lithologically differentiated stress gradients, pore pressure systems, and sediment compaction.

Dr. Drews has received recognition for his work through numerous publications in high-impact journals and presentations at major international conferences. His research has been instrumental in developing the Bavarian Pressure Map and advancing the understanding of geomechanical factors affecting geothermal energy production.

As an educator, Dr. Drews serves as Study Advisor for B.Sc. Geosciences and is involved in the M.Sc. Programme "GeoThermics/GeoEnergy" at TUM. He has supervised numerous students who have co-authored publications with him, particularly in the areas of pore pressure analysis, stress field modeling, and geothermal system characterization. His research group has secured funding for multiple projects including Geothermal Alliance Bavaria (GAB), GoEffective, World Pressure Map, PHYSALIS, GeoChance, BORIS, and Memory CHeck.

Dr. Drews leads the Assistant Professorship of Geothermal Technologies research team, which includes several doctoral researchers and postdoctoral fellows working on various aspects of geothermal energy systems. The team collaborates closely with industry partners and other academic institutions to advance the field of deep geothermal energy.