Economic Situation and Political Support for Geothermal Energy in Germany

Abstract

In April 2000, the Renewable Energy Act (Erneuerbare Energien Gesetz, EEG) was set into force. The EEG is consistent with the directive on electricity production from renewable energy source of the European Union. It has triggered a great step forward in the development of geothermal power production under the German geological conditions. In future, a fast spreading of geothermal power production inside Germany can be expected. The paper describes the mechanism of EEG and will give details on the recent amendments.

Large geothermal heating plants with deep wells still suffer economic problems within Germany. Linked to the success of EEG, a revival can be expected in combined heat and power production. Another new trend is highlighted by some projects for deep borehole heat exchangers, to get rid of the need for deep, permeable layers and the resulting site limitations.
For shallow geothermal energy, and in particular ground source heat pumps, no specific support projects are necessary anymore. The technology has a firm place on the market, and the task for the foreseeable future is a continuos optimisation and, most important, to develop and implement measures to ensure high quality and consumer satisfaction