Today in Strasbourg, during the European Parliament’s plenary session, a vote was held on a report authored by PiS MEP Prof. Zdzisław Krasnodębski concerning geothermal energy. The document was adopted with the support of all political groups, almost unanimously. The Parliament is sending a very strong message to the Commission, as well as to the Member States, calling for support for the development of geothermal energy.
The PiS MEP noted that one of the problems with geothermal energy is its low visibility compared to other renewable energy sectors, and the topic is often overlooked, despite the obvious benefits of this energy source—low environmental impact, stable and predictable energy costs, low operating costs, a long service life, and reliability.
“This must change, and it is an urgent task for both the Member States and the geothermal sector itself. An educational and promotional campaign for geothermal energy is needed,” emphasized Prof. Krasnodębski, noting that his report is an important part of promoting the concept of geothermal energy.
“The report highlights a number of existing barriers to the development of geothermal energy and recommends solutions that must be adopted by Member States, the Commission, and the sector,” said the rapporteur. He noted that the recommendations concern, among other things, the availability of geological data; the fragmented nature of statistical data; the financial risks associated with geothermal projects; the problem of high costs associated with the installation of geothermal heat pumps; regulatory issues (deep geothermal projects are often subject to inadequate mining regulations); administrative issues (the permitting process for geothermal projects is protracted); a shortage of skilled workers and the need for comprehensive, high-quality education at universities, as well as the development of advanced geothermal technologies such as AGS, EGS, and underground storage of electricity and heat.
"All of this must be addressed in a coherent and comprehensive European policy. That is why, in the report, we call on the European Commission to present an EU geothermal strategy containing specific guidelines for Member States and local authorities. We call on the European Commission to establish a ‘geothermal alliance’ — bringing together Member States, the geothermal sector, the scientific community, and civil society around the goal of developing geothermal energy, exchanging best practices, and effectively implementing the future strategy,” said the report’s author.
Zdzisław Krasnodębski also mentioned the role of geothermal energy development in energy transition regions, emphasizing that geothermal energy is an integral part of the just energy transition pathway. “It can not only provide energy sources but also offset job losses in the extractive sector and attract new business projects in industry, the food sector, agriculture, and so on,” he argued. Unfortunately, as he noted, there are very few projects utilizing existing infrastructure—such as post-mining sites and decommissioned oil and gas wells—compared to the potential offered by repurposing this infrastructure. “I therefore urge the Commission to treat this area of action as a priority and to support, through existing programs, both the development of relevant technologies and the implementation of these projects,” said the MEP.
