Status and Prospects of Geothermal Energy in Europe--A Summary

Abstract

The status of geothermal power generation and direct use in Europe is summarized on the basis of data presented at the World Geothermal Congress 2005 and subsequent data adjustments. The operating power generation capacity in 8 European countries is 1.0 GWe and the production 7.2 TWhe/yr. The lead is clearly with the pioneer country Italy. Iceland comes next, followed by Turkey. France and Russia have significant production, but in non-European regions. Austria and Germany is newly generating geothermal electricity, albeit at low level. The total numbers in direct use are 13.6 GWt and 154’000 TJ/yr; in absolute numbers, Sweden comes before Iceland, the traditional leader in geothermal direct use, and Turkey is number three. The largest contribution to direct use (7070 MWt or 52% in capacity and 56’000 TJ/yr or 36 % in production) is provided by geothermal heat pumps, in 26 countries. Europe has the largest share (nearly 50%) in world-wide direct use. For the future prospects on the short term a speeding-up in geothermal power development can only be expected, when guaranteed feed-in tariffs in several European Union (EU) countries show an effect. On the other hand a further, accelerating advance of geothermal heat pumps can definitely be expected. On the long term the prospects depend on the success of the Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS). It will be crucial to demonstrate the feasibility of EGS technology at various sites with contrasting geologic characteristics.