Geothermal energy is framed as a central remedy to Europe’s ongoing energy security challenges. An open letter to the European Commission, addressed to President von der Leyen and Commissioners Jørgensen, Hoekstra, Ribera, and Séjourné, urges a markedly stronger Geothermal Action Plan to be published in May, warning that a narrow focus on heat would fail to unlock a sizable market. The signatories argue Europe possesses massive geothermal potential, estimating about 301 TWh of electricity per year—roughly 42% of Europe’s coal- and gas-fired generation—while also emphasizing geothermal’s role in decarbonising industry, stabilising grids, and reducing dependence on imports. They note that the United States is deploying substantial public funding for next-generation geothermal projects and that China is rapidly expanding deployment, underscoring Europe’s urgency to act to preserve industrial leadership and strategic autonomy. The message calls for a dedicated EU geothermal de-risking facility with a substantial funding envelope for early-stage exploration and drilling, long-term revenue frameworks including two-way CfDs, clean firm heat and power auctions, and support for corporate PPAs and heat purchase agreements, alongside tripartite demand-side mechanisms to aggregate long-term off-take from industrial, municipal, and commercial users (e.g., data centres). It also demands streamlined permitting, clear guidance to Member States, enhanced public engagement, and an EU-wide geothermal atlas to reduce exploration risk, plus the establishment of a European Geothermal Industry Alliance to accelerate scale-up. The authors insist on prioritising rapid deployment of next-generation geothermal technologies and express willingness to collaborate with the Commission to mobilise investment and deliver a competitive, secure energy future for Europe.
← Atlas › News › Energy