Over the last few years, Europe has been abuzz with the prospect of geothermal energy. With most countries in the continent feeling the heat of energy insecurity and the need to reduce the use of fossil energy sources, geothermal energy is slowly finding its place in the energy mix. But what will happen to the geological stability of Europe, and how will the policymakers extract this subterranean wealth?
Geothermal expansion in Northern Europe: Why Germany, Netherlands, and Belgium are leading the way
Currently, Northern Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium are leading in implementing Europe’s geothermal vision. Geothermal energy is receiving unprecedented attention as the European Union continues to intensify its drive towards using renewable energy.
The latest news is that the European Parliament has supported a resolution on developing geothermal energy sources on the continent. It is in line with the EU’s overall vision to increase the contribution of geothermal energy to total energy consumption by a factor of three by 2030.
Geothermal energy is the heat energy available within the earth’s surface and harnessed from the earth’s crust. It has some benefits, such as the availability of power supply, and it has relatively low effects on the environment compared to fossil energy sources.
As for 2022, the share of geothermal energy was only 0. It is ranked as only 5% of the global renewable electricity market. This figure was even lower in the EU at 0. 2%. Nevertheless, these figures are poised to increase substantially with the increasing number of countries exploring and investing in geothermal energy.
Unearthing potential: How Europe’s diverse geology could revolutionize the energy sector
The geological structure of Europe is replete with opportunities for geothermal energy development. The area has the advantage of having a variety of terrains ranging from volcanic to sedimentary basins that make this renewable resource possible.
These are the Paris Basin, the Munich Molasse, the Upper Rhine Graben, and other geological structures below Paris, northern France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Martin Arndt, project coordinator of an EU-funded geothermal project, adds to this by pointing out the importance of these regions.
Italy is, at the moment, the largest producer of geothermal energy in the EU and provides the majority of the bloc’s geothermal electricity. Other countries, including Austria, Croatia, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, and Portugal, are also improving. 36,000 households in Aarhus, Denmark, will be provided with geothermal energy, which can serve as an example of what can be done with proper investment and development.
Overcoming barriers: Why public perception and regulation could make or break geothermal growth in Europe
However, there are several challenges associated with the development of geothermal energy. Exploiting geothermal energy entails drilling exploration boreholes, for which some basic knowledge of sub-surface geology and complex seismic surveys are needed. Some of these activities may sometimes cause concerns among the local communities, especially on the environmental effects and risks of earthquakes.
Arndt does agree with these arguments but stresses that there should be more openness in explaining the need to communicate with the public. ‘The population may get worried about seismic activity during the production phase. Therefore, the communication has to be open and citizen-centered,’ he notes.
Also, risks accompany the exploration borehole, such as uncertain exploration boreholes. If a borehole fails to deliver the requisite heat, the whole project and its investments are at risk. Another challenge that affects the geothermal industry is bureaucratic restraints and the lack of skilled human resources.
To overcome these challenges, optimizing the approval processes and developing human capital is possible. Geothermal development has stirred concerns from Luxembourg legislator Marc Botenga, who has called for increased public ownership and democratic control of the prices of geothermal energy.
His position indicates a more considerable discussion concerning the public versus private sector’s responsibility towards developing renewable energy resources.
Discover Europe’s geothermal wonders: Where to experience energy’s natural power in spectacular settings
Europe presents several interesting geothermal sites for those who would like to see and feel the miracles of geothermal activity. The EGEC has also listed some of the best geothermal places, such as the Tuscany Geothermal tour, Blue Lagoon Spa in Iceland, and Pamukkale terraces in Turkey.
While these places are significant for demonstrating the spectacle of geothermal formative, they also demonstrate the versatility of geothermal usage, from recreation to therapeutic. Iceland is one of the countries where the geo-sea geothermal bath in Husavik and the Mývatn Nature Baths are some of the geothermal baths that provide guests with an opportunity to enjoy the geothermal heat.
Similarly, the thermal bath in Baden Baden, Germany, and the Roman Baths in Bath, England, give historical and modern-day perspectives on using geothermal energy for recreation. While Europe is still seeking and discovering its geothermal resources, the continent will go a long way in renewable energy production.
