Geothermal Energy: Energy Council calls for EU action plan and easier access to funding

The first Energy Council of the new Von der Leyen Commission term addressed a strategic topic for the EU's energy transition: geothermal energy. During the meeting, representatives of the 27 Member States, after discussing the Commission's energy priorities, approved a document urging an acceleration in the development of this energy source.

In detail, the document contains the conclusions of the Energy Council regarding the promotion of geothermal energy, based on informal Council discussions held under the Hungarian presidency in July 2024. Already at that time, ministers agreed that geothermal energy is a viable sustainable alternative for heat and electricity production. This conviction is now reiterated in the newly published document.

Ideal for providing heating and cooling economically and safely, geothermal energy can decarbonize key industrial sectors, as well as the energy consumption of buildings. Moreover, this energy source - as highlighted by the 27 - is perfectly aligned with the Net Zero Industry Act's g