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 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.
With a letter to Commissioner for Economy and Productivity Implementation and Simplification Valdis Dombrovskis, EGEC provided its answer to a call for feedback by the Platform on Sustainable Finance on the draft report on preliminary recommendations for the review of the Taxonomy Climate Delegated Act and additional technical screening criteria for the EU Taxonomy.
The European Geothermal Energy Council (EGEC), in collaboration with the Austrian Geothermal Association, GeoSphere Austria and the support of EU project SAPHEA, invites contributions to the Geothermal District Heating and Cooling Days 2025.
The Roundtable on Croatian Perspectives on the Renewable Heating and Cooling Market was successfully held, bringing together national stakeholders to discuss pathways to achieving 100% renewable heating and cooling. Organized by the RHC-ETIP platform, the event highlighted key insights and tools to support the sector.
EGEC is pleased to announce the opening of the Invitation for Expressions of Interest (EOI) to host the European Geothermal Congress (EGC) 2028.
The first edition of “Meet the Members” 2025 webinar was a great success! This highly anticipated event took place on 27 January at 14:00 am CET and offered participants a unique opportunity to connect with leading companies in the geothermal energy sector.
Mark your calendars! From 20 to 22 May 2025, Vienna (Austria) will host the Geothermal District Heating and Cooling Days 2025. Organised by the European Geothermal Energy Council (EGEC), in collaboration with the Austrian Geothermal Association and GeoSphere Austria, this event will be the hub for exploring the latest breakthroughs, challenges and future directions in the geothermal district heating and cooling sector.
