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it is a local energy source, which means energy produced, stored and consumed locally;

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the integration of it into the European energy grid can contribute to the flexibility and stability of the energy system;

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by using local geothermal resources, regions can reduce their dependence on both locally produced and imported fossil fuels, leading to reduced air pollution and more stable and lower energy prices;

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as local energy, it does not require a national network infrastructure, thus reducing network loss and exposure to natural disasters and human factors (political, war);

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it promotes the development of independent and self-sufficient local energy communities and households to participate in local energy production independently of central energy suppliers;

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as cheap, predictable energy, it can help address poverty and the depopulation of rural areas;

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notwithstanding higher initial investment costs, geothermal heating and cooling, which already has a levelised cost of energy (LCOE) lower than fossil fuels, can help combat energy poverty in some regions.

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introducing the ‘fifth freedom of the single market’  (2) to enhance geothermal research, innovation and education across the EU in order to exploit synergies and economies of scale;

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establishing a joint research and development fund for the development of geothermal potential;

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using existing public and private funding to stimulate geothermal investments;

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support for start-ups, innovative enterprises and pilot projects;

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exploiting synergies with other sectors/instruments: combination of geothermal + solar energy, hydrogen production (non-electrolyte), water/energy storage in old, abandoned mines (brownfield exploitation).

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There is often a lack of capacity in licensing agencies and cumbersome authorisation procedures;

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Easily accessible geological data or data on energy use are also often lacking;

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Due to a lack of technological knowledge, feasibility studies sometimes do not focus on the total lifetime cost, which underestimates the lifetime of geothermal power plants compared to solutions with shorter lifetimes, which may seem cheaper. Few countries provide statistics on the numbers of installed GHPs, geothermal district heating and cooling systems, etc.;

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Financial risk reduction is typical for larger projects, especially new entrants, which carry resource and project development risks.

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unlike other renewable energy sources, geothermal energy sources are permanent, weather-independent;

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it is particularly suitable for heating and cooling buildings, but can also provide thermal energy for certain industrial processes;

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it can also produce clean electricity at high temperatures;

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it can reduce the EU’s dependence on imported fossil fuels;

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the development of the sector can create new, green jobs;

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it can promote the economic development of regions rich in geothermal resources and strengthen spatial planning.

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The use of geothermal resources can lead to subsurface changes that can cause subsidence or other geotechnical problems;

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Pumping water out of geothermal reservoirs or pumping it back can trigger microearthquakes, especially in advanced EGS.

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In regions with water scarcity, the need for significant amounts of water for pumping and heat transfer can be problematic.

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Although geothermal energy is considered clean, toxic gases such as hydrogen sulphide and dissolved minerals and chemicals can be released during use, which must be disposed of.

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fragmented by country and authority;

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rooted in/dominated by the traditional ‘mining license’ approach (see mechanical, deep mining safety aspects);

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dispersed and transported through successive processes under several authorities.