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
EGEC, in collaboration with the Geosmart Project, successfully hosted the Geothermal Power 2024 conference in Brussels on July 3rd. Held at the Hotel Sofitel Brussels Europe, the event attracted over 100 participants, offering a platform for industry leaders, stakeholders, and policymakers to share insights and explore the future of geothermal energy.
Join us in Paris from 9 to 11 September 2024 at the Sorbonne University, for three days of geothermal innovation. You can attend this event by registering before 29 August 2024.
Make sure to mark your calendars and save the date to join us this autumn for this three-day conference exploring the transformative potential of geothermal heat pumps in the pursuit of decarbonised heating and cooling.
EGEC, in collaboration with EuroGeoSurveys, organized an exciting session on geothermal energy during the European Sustainable Energy Week in Brussels. The session was held at the Charlemagne Building (European Commission) and was attended by over 100 people, both in person and online.
The letter, sent on 5th June 2024, recommended the European geothermal strategy and action plan incorporate:
This high-level event will be a unique experience featuring an inspiring, diverse programme complemented by networking sessions and social activities. These will provide participants with numerous opportunities to connect face-to-face with leading experts and foster vibrant discussions on the future of geothermal electricity, thermal storage and lithium.
Geothermal is our energy. It is a unique renewable energy source providing baseload electricity, heating, cooling, storage, as well as lithium and other mineral extraction. It rests reassuringly below our feet, homes, offices and factories everywhere. With the right political visibility and regulatory frameworks it will become the foundation of the cheap, local, inclusive and rapid energy transition.
EGEC is delighted to announce that registration is now open for the Geothermal Power conference on 3 July at the Sofitel Brussels Europe! This high-level event will be a unique experience featuring an inspiring, diverse programme complemented by networking sessions and social activities. These will provide participants with numerous opportunities to connect face-to-face with leading experts and foster vibrant discussions on the future of geothermal electricity, thermal storage and lithium.
Great news for companies looking to align with sustainable energy solutions! Geothermal Heating and Cooling Days 2024, to be held in Paris on 9-11 September, is now open for sponsorship opportunities. Your support is essential in making this event a success - be a vital part of organising it with us!
The inaugural edition of “Geothermal Power: The Light Under Your Feet” is set to illuminate Brussels, Belgium, on 3 July 2024!
