Europe can harness geothermal energy to enhance energy security and provide flexible, carbon-free energy to support the decarbonization of our economies, both for direct heating and electricity generation. Notably, the IEA estimates that Europe has nearly 40 TW of technical potential for enhanced geothermal power generation below 300 USD/MWh, which is equivalent to 35 times Europe’s current total installed electricity capacity of all types. Geothermal potential is particularly high in France, Italy, and Central Europe, Member States with significant industrial activity requiring clean energy to decarbonize their industries. This technical standpoint provides an overview of the new geothermal technologies, with a focus on the potential in Europe for direct heating applications.
