Details
- Publication date
- 25 October 2023
- Author
- Joint Research Centre
Description
This report takes a closer look at the status of deep geothermal energy in the EU, with a focus on power and direct heat applications. The market for deep geothermal energy is growing globally and, while the EU is under-represented in drilling services, it has a strong manufacturing base for both above- and below-ground equipment. Geothermal energy has a high potential to supply the EU's district heating and cooling sector, while emerging technologies for higher temperatures and efficiency and for recovery of critical materials from geothermal brines offer promising opportunities. Challenges include high upfront costs, limited subsurface data availability, and licensing issues. Geothermal operations also have varying environmental impacts that may affect public acceptance.