More than 20 firms, agencies and organisations drawn from across Europe’s energy sector have teamed up to urge the European Commission (EC) to fast-track its geothermal plans.
The group— which includes Clean Air Task Force, Baker Hughes and OMV — has published a joint letter calling on the EC to ensure its forthcoming EU Action Plan on Geothermal Energy reflects the full spectrum of geothermal technologies, including next-generation high-temperature systems, that with investment, the group noted, could be capable of producing round-the-clock clean power and industrial heat at an affordable price.
The Commission is preparing to release the first EU Geothermal Action Plan in early 2026.
“A forward-looking Action Plan can help Europe lead in next-generation geothermal technologies that provide clean, firm heat and power,” said Alessia Virone, EU Affairs Director at Clean Air Task Force.
“But capturing full benefits of geothermal will require support for innovation, a stronger value chain, and efforts to reduce early-stage project risk.”
What the letter calls for:
The Plan should reflect full spectrum of geothermal technologies, including next-generation high-temperature systems that can supply clean firm electricity, support industrial decarbonisation, and improve the stability and reliability of electrical grids.
Field testing, commercialisation, and the establishment of targets or flagship projects that can accelerate deployment should be supported.
The EU geothermal value chain, including high-temperature tools, materials, services, and workforce, should be strengthened.
Calls for a workable EU risk-sharing facility that can unlock private capital and enable commercially financed next-generation geothermal projects by the early 2030s.
An EU stakeholder alliance should be created to guide implementation and ensure policy reflects real project experience.
In a statement, the Clean Air Tasforce also elaborated on why the topic matters: “As the EU looks to expand its clean energy options, geothermal remains an underused domestic opportunity, particularly advanced approaches such as superhot rock systems that tap into resources available deep in Earth’s crust.”
The signatories — spanning cleantech innovators, industry associations, public authorities, research institutions, and civil society — also include Baseload Capital, Energy Cities, Telura, Vallourec and PW Energy.
The group also includes prominent geothermal organisations such as the European Federation of Geologists and the European Geothermal Energy Council.
Other members of the coalition include AxioGeni, Canopus Drilling, Eaposys SA, Energy Institute Hrvoje Požar, Enna Geo, Future Cleantech Architects, GA Drilling, Geothermal Ukraine, Hephae Energy, SwissDGS GmbH, Turboden, Underground Ventures, and Zenon Energy Research.
“The moment to champion geothermal innovation is now,” the letter, addressed to EC President, Ursula von der Leyen, concludes.
“In a world where different regions are racing to secure technological primacy, there is no time to waste. The EU is well placed to become a leader in next-generation geothermal – now it must show a visionary outlook and put in place thoughtfully designed measures to translate this tacit opportunity into tangible benefits for EU industries and citizens.”