EU to prioritize geothermal energy to reduce reliance on Russian gas

The European Union plans to promote geothermal energy to replace Russian gas and lower energy costs, according to a draft document. At an upcoming meeting in Brussels, the 27 EU member states are expected to endorse geothermal energy collectively for the first time, reported Reuters.

The draft proposes an EU-wide strategy to cut emissions from heating and cooling systems and expedite geothermal projects. This includes financial guarantees to mitigate investment risks and simplified permitting processes. Geothermal energy taps subterranean heat to provide heating or generate electricity, offering a renewable alternative to fossil fuels.

Currently, geothermal accounts for less than 3% of EU energy production, despite its potential to meet 75% of the bloc’s heating and cooling demands by 2040, according to the European Geothermal Energy Council. High initial costs and regulatory complexities have hindered its growth.

While geothermal district heating is common in many EU countries, only a few—like France, Germany, and Italy—use it to generate electricity.