Following on from the European Union’s commitments to phase out energy imports from Russia, make energy affordable, boost industrial competitiveness, improve energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the European Geothermal Energy Council (EGEC) insists that the European Commission must present an investment-orientated strategy and action plan to accelerate the deployment of all geothermal energy solutions. EGEC calls on the European Commission to publish a dedicated European Geothermal Strategy and Action Plan in the first quarter of 2026. This echoes requests made by EU Energy Ministers (see the TTE Council Conclusions of 16 December 2024) and also by the European Parliament (Resolution on geothermal energy, adopted on 18 January 2024). Indeed, the European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan Jørgensen, has already confirmed (on 14 March 2025) that the Commission will present "an action plan on geothermal energy" before the end of March 2026. According to EGEC, the Commission’s proposal must include the following elements: An EU-wide target to reach 250 GW of geothermal capacity by 2040 covering all technologies. This will build on the 44 GW of installed capacity in the EU. A European Geothermal Charter, which codifies the 2040 target and launches the Geothermal Industrial Alliance to manage its delivery. Targeted European financial instruments to leverage private capital. Measures to make permitting processes more efficient and faster, as well as improving access to geological data. Sectoral or tripartite agreements with key energy consumers. Peer-to-peer guidance to help governments develop national and regional roadmaps to remove barriers, accelerate investments and build local supply chains. European instruments to support value chain development in local manufacturing and skilled professionals. The inclusion of geothermal energy as a central pillar of the EU’s Global Gateway and the Global Energy Transition Forum. Improvements to the collection and presentation of market data and statistics to enable better energy modelling. EGEC’s proposals are set out in a new policy document:The European Geothermal Strategy and Action Plan - Making Europe competitive, secure and affordable Watch EGEC's webinar on the launch of its recommendations for the EU Geothermal Strategy and Action Plan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxUUaWHfuM8
The European Geothermal Energy Council (EGEC) welcomes eagerly awaited confirmation from the European Commission that the Geothermal Action Plan will be published in Q1 2026.[1]
Dan Jørgensen, Commissioner for Energy and Housing, acknowledged, in a written response to a question from Davor Stier MEP[2], that ”geothermal energy has an important role to play in the decarbonisation of the EU’s energy system”. He added, “The potential of geothermal energy has been so far hindered by challenges related inter alia to planning, permitting, skills, financing and availability of data”.
The future of industrial energy is here—and it’s powered by geothermal. Our latest publication, Geothermal for Industry and Agri-Food, explores how businesses across Europe are leveraging geothermal energy to decarbonise operations, cut costs, and enhance sustainability.
EGEC is pleased to announce that registration is now open for our upcoming RHC-ETIP roundtable, “How to Decarbonise Centralised Heating Systems: Finnish Perspectives on Renewable Heating and Cooling”.
The European Geothermal Energy Council (EGEC) has officially addressed a letter to Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, commending Croatia’s leadership in geothermal energy and outlining key steps to scale up development across the country and the European Union.
The European Geothermal Congress warmly welcomes exhibitors to Zürich, Switzerland, from 06-10 October 2025. The events attracts thousands of participants (1,200 people in 2022) and will be held at the Zurich Convention Centre (Kongresshaus Zürich), which is strategically located in the city centre, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding cityscape and Lake Zurich.
Following the success of our first Meet the Members session in January, we are thrilled to announce the second edition of 2025!
Brussels, 26th February 2025 – The European Geothermal Energy Council (EGEC) welcomes the recognition of the critical role of geothermal energy in the newly announced Action Plan for Affordable Energy. This ambitious plan is key to decreasing energy prices for citizens, businesses, and communities across the European Union.
The European Geothermal Energy Council is delighted to announce that the Ruggero Bertani European Geothermal Innovation Award 2025 has been awarded to EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg for its pioneering CASCADE project, an innovative approach to lithium extraction from geothermal brines.
Exciting news for companies looking to align with sustainable energy solutions! Geothermal Heating and Cooling Days 2025, to be held in Vienna this May, is now open for sponsorship opportunities. This flagship event offers a unique platform to network with experts and advocates for the use of geothermal energy in heating and cooling networks across Europe.
Join us on April 3rd for the Cooling Down Final Event, where we will unveil key insights and policy recommendations for a sustainable and affordable cooling future in Europe. As cooling demand continues to rise, renewable solutions must be at the forefront to ensure both decarbonisation and energy affordability.
