EU Legal Framework for Geothermal Energy: State of Play and Future Developments

Abstract

In accordance with its treaties, the European Union (EU) is entitled to legislate on a number of issues, including environmental protection, functioning of the market as well as energy-related matters. Such legislation, and the way it is eventually implemented at national level, impacts the geothermal energy sector under various aspects. For instance, a directive aiming, say, to price carbon dioxide (“CO2” or for ease of style “carbon”) emissions in the energy sector or to increase the share of renewable energy may incentivise the use of geothermal energy technologies. Likewise, a regulation whose objective is to preserve the quality of the environment may also have a relevant impact on the procedures required to realise a geothermal plant. This paper presents an overview of the current legal and policy frameworks in force in the EU with the aim of elucidating about the expected impact for the development of geothermal energy in Europe.