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?<\/p>\n
Currently, Northern Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium are leading in implementing Europe\u2019s geothermal vision. Geothermal energy is receiving unprecedented attention<\/strong> as the European Union continues to intensify its drive towards using renewable energy.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s overall vision to increase the contribution of geothermal energy to total energy consumption by a factor of three by 2030.<\/p>\n Geothermal energy is the heat energy available within the earth\u2019s surface and harnessed from the earth\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n These are the Paris Basin, the Munich Molasse<\/strong>, the Upper Rhine Graben, and other geological structures below Paris, northern France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.\u00a0Martin Arndt, project coordinator of an EU-funded geothermal project, adds to this by pointing out the importance of these regions.<\/p>\n Italy is, at the moment, the largest producer of geothermal energy in the EU and provides the majority of the bloc\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n However, there are several challenges associated with the development of geothermal energy. Exploiting geothermal energy entails <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n Arndt does agree with these arguments but stresses that there should be more openness in explaining the need to communicate with the public. \u2018The population may get worried about seismic activity during the production phase. Therefore, the communication has to be open and citizen-centered,\u2019 he notes.<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0Another challenge that affects the geothermal industry is bureaucratic restraints and the lack of skilled human resources.<\/p>\n To overcome these challenges, optimizing the approval processes and developing human capital<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n His position indicates a more considerable discussion concerning the public versus private sector\u2019s responsibility towards developing renewable energy resources.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n While these places are significant for demonstrating the spectacle of geothermal formative, they also demonstrate the versatility of geothermal usage, from recreation to therapeutic.\u00a0Iceland is one of the countries where the geo-sea geothermal bath in Husavik and the M\u00fdvatn Nature Baths are some of the geothermal baths that provide guests with an opportunity to enjoy the geothermal heat.<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0While Europe is still seeking and discovering its geothermal resources, the continent will go a long way in renewable energy production.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Over the last few years, Europe has been abuzz with the prospect of geothermal energy. 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