The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is advocating that geothermal energy should be a major component of Europe’s action plan for transitioning to cleaner energy.
In an opinion statement published by committee members Zsolt Kükedi and Thomas Kattnig, it was stated the European Commission should “move immediately” in supporting the development of this largely underutilized resource. The statement affirms that geothermal offers bountiful opportunities for EU Member States to adopt clean reliable power, up to 25 percent of heating and cooling and approximately 10 percent of electricity consumption. Aligning with this vision, Eavor is already making strides in Germany with geothermal technology, utilizing a closed-loop system to extract geothermal energy via conduction.
However, the EESC warns that without strong public and political support, EU states could miss out on opportunities to benefit from geothermal energy. The Committee urges Member States to intervene by offering government funding and incentives to attract investors and mitigate financial risks. These initial investments are essential for scaling geothermal projects and making them economically viable.
The EESC also stresses the importance of involving local communities in the planning of geothermal projects to increase public acceptance and ensure sustainable development. The Committee advocates for a European program to assess geothermal resources and streamline regulatory barriers related to planning and permitting.
By promoting geothermal energy, which has minimal greenhouse gas emissions, the EU can accelerate its progress toward its 2050 climate neutrality goals. The EESC highlights that geothermal offers significant environmental and economic benefits, making it a key player in Europe’s renewable energy strategy.
